Shakespeare Vocabulary - Act I

Vocabulary in Act I of Shakespeare

Key Terms and Definitions

1. augment

Part of Speech: Verb (v.)
Definition: To increase or intensify.
Example Usage: During a recording session, the sound engineer may use special effects to augment the quality of a singer's voice on the album.

2. adversary

Part of Speech: Noun (n.)
Definition: Opponent, foe, enemy.
Example Usage: The other high school in the county has always been our chief adversary in the district football championship.

3. chaste

Part of Speech: Adjective (adj.)
Definition: Virtuous, decent, pure in style or manner, virginal.
Example Usage: Both Rosaline and Juliet behave in a chaste manner.

4. exquisite

Part of Speech: Adjective (adj.)
Definition: Of special beauty or charm.
Example Usage: The engagement ring, set with a small, blue sapphire surrounded with diamonds, was exquisite.

5. forfeit

Part of Speech:
- Noun (n.): Fine, penalty.
- Verb (v.): To lose or be liable to lose as a result of a crime.
Example Usage: Noah found the forfeit of his reckless driving was to lose his driver's license.

6. grievance

Part of Speech: Noun (n.)
Definition: Problem causing resentment or complaint; grounds for resentment or complaint.
Example Usage: The complaining students took their grievance to the principal.

7. pernicious

Part of Speech: Adjective (adj.)
Definition: Harmful, destructive, lethal.
Example Usage: The pernicious fumes of ammonia gas spread over the city.

8. warrant

Part of Speech: Verb (v.)
Definition: To give adequate reasons for; to state with conviction.
Example Usage: The used car salesperson warranted that the car had been driven only on weekends.

9. purge

Part of Speech: Verb (v.)
Definition: Cleanse, forgive, absolve.
Example Usage: With vigorous scrubbing, Dad purged the stain from the carpet.

10. solemnity

Part of Speech: Noun (n.)
Definition: Being formal, dignified.
Example Usage: In contrast to the solemnity of the wedding, the bride skipped down the aisle.