Shakespearean Words: A Glossary To Help You Understand

Oct 27, 2025 by SLV Team 55 views

Hey guys! Ever felt lost in translation while reading Shakespeare? You're not alone! The Bard's language can be a bit tricky with its old-fashioned words and unique expressions. But don't worry, I'm here to help you decode Shakespeare with this handy glossary of common Shakespearean words. Get ready to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of Elizabethan English!

A - C

Anon: Right away; soon. In Shakespeare's plays, you'll often see characters saying "Anon, anon!" which means "Coming! Coming!"

Art: Are. This is a simple one, but it pops up all the time. Instead of saying "you are," Shakespeare's characters often say "thou art."

Ay: Yes. A quick and easy way to give an affirmative response. You might even find yourself saying "ay" after diving into Shakespeare!

Bawd: A person who owns or manages a brothel. This word appears in some of Shakespeare's more mature plays. Think of it as the Elizabethan version of a "house mother" for, well, you know.

Behold: To look at; to observe. It’s a more dramatic way of saying "look!" or "see!" Imagine announcing something important with a resounding "Behold!"

Betwixt: Between. Another simple substitution. "Betwixt you and me" is the same as "between you and me."

Brail: To fit sails with ropes for hauling or binding. This term is related to ships, which is very common to use during his time.

Brave: Splendid; excellent. This word is more than courageous; it can also mean something is really awesome. "That was a brave performance!"

Caitiff: A despicable or cowardly person. A strong insult! Calling someone a caitiff is like saying they are the lowest of the low.

Chide: To scold or rebuke. When someone is getting told off, they are being chided. "My mother will chide me for being late."

Coil: Commotion; turmoil. Usually used in the phrase “mortal coil,” referring to the troubles and chaos of earthly life. Hamlet famously contemplates the "shuffling off this mortal coil."

Cousin: Any relative or close friend. Back then, "cousin" was used much more broadly than it is today. It could refer to aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, or even just close buddies.

D - F

*** স্যারাহ: *** দিনের শেষে. এটা একটা সহজবোধ্য শব্দ, কিন্তু এটা নাটকের প্রেক্ষাপটে আরও কাব্যিক এবং গুরুত্বপূর্ণ শোনায়।

Doth: Does. যেমন "আর্ট" হল "আর"-এর পুরনো রূপ, তেমনই "ডথ" হল "ডাজ"-এর পুরনো রূপ। "সে কি এটা করে?" বলার বদলে বলা হত "সে কি এটা করে?"

Dram: A small drink. Usually refers to alcohol. Think of it as a shot or a nip. "Let's have a dram of whiskey!"

Eke: Also. An old-fashioned way of saying "also" or "in addition to." "I want money, eke, I want power!"

Ere: Before. A simple and common word that means "before." "Ere I leave, I must say goodbye."

Fair: Beautiful. Can also mean just or equitable.

Fie: An exclamation of disgust or disapproval. A mild way of saying "shame!" or "disgusting!" You might say "Fie on you!" if someone does something rude.

Forsooth: Indeed; in truth. An intensifier, like saying "really" or "truly." It adds a bit of emphasis to a statement.

Gad: A pointed instrument. Usually a metal spike. Ouch!

G - I

J - L

M - O

P - R

S - U

V - Z

Disclaimer: Shakespeare's works contain a rich tapestry of language, and this glossary represents just a small selection of the many unique words and phrases he employed. Further exploration and study are encouraged for a deeper understanding of his literary genius.