Henry IV, Part 1 — Vocabulary
William Shakespeare
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	20
roguedishonest or untrustworthy The website turned out to be run by a rogue company scamming users with fake downloads.more Show sample from book You rogue, here's lime in this sack too19 more a person who lies Show general definition someone or something that behaves in a dishonest, unpredictable, or independent way -- often breaking rules or acting outside the norm
	11	top 1000
banishbanish → banished:forced to leave He was banished from his own country.more Show sample from book him keep with, the rest banish.10 more expel or get rid of -- especially a person from a country or community Show general definition to expel or get rid of in various senses, including: to force someone to leave a country as punishment to push an idea from the mind
	5	top 1000
redeemredeem → redeeming:thing that makes up for bad things Our dog is dirty, noisy, and ill-behaved, but her redeeming quality is that she is so loving.more Show sample from book you may redeem your banish'd honours, and restore yourselves Into the good thoughts of the world again;5 more to make up for something bad Show general definition for redeem (as in: its main redeeming quality is...) to make up for something bad; or to save
	1	top 2000
redeem#2redeem → redeemed:exchanged The coupon can be redeemed for a free candy bar.more Show sample from book Shall our coffers, then, be emptied to redeem a traitor home?5 more exchange in return for (bringing) Show general definition for redeem (as in: redeem the coupon) exchange, convert, or pay off The exact meaning of redeem can depend upon its context. For example: "to redeem a coupon" -- exchange something for something else of value "to redeem stock" -- sell or convert to cash "to redeem a mortgage" -- pay off a loan
	5	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book and let men say we be men of good government, being governed, as the sea is, by our noble and chaste mistress the Moon, under whose countenance we steal.4 more face Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	2	top 200
disdainlack of respect She tries to be polite, but she cannot hide her disdain for authority.more Show sample from book Pride, haughtiness, opinion, and disdain;1 more a lack of respect Show general definition to disrespect or reject as unworthy
	4	top 2000
compulsionurge, desire, or need She has a deep compulsion to make herself the center of attention.more Show sample from book if reasons were as plentiful as blackberries, I would give no man a reason upon compulsion, I. PRINCE.†3 more an urge, force, or requirement to do something Show general definition a strong (possibly uncontrollable) urge to do something; or a force or a requirement that forces an action
	3	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book 'Sblood, I am as melancholy as a gib-cat or a lugg'd bear.†2 more a sad feeling or manner Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	3	top 1000
tediousboring I'll have to endure one of her tedious lectures.more Show sample from book If all the year were playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work;2 more boring or monotonous Show general definition boring -- especially because something goes on too long or without variation
	2	top 500
adversaryopponent She is his greatest adversary.more Show sample from book Then, brother John of Lancaster, to you This honourable bounty shall belong: Go to the Douglas, and deliver him Up to his pleasure, ransomless and free: His valour, shown upon our crests to-day, Hath taught us how to cherish such high deeds Even in the bosom of our adversaries.†1 more adversary → adversaries:opponents Show general definition an opponent
	3	top 1000
perilperil → perils:dangers The mountaineers faced many perils on their ascent to the summit, including treacherous icefalls and avalanches.more Show sample from book A perilous gash, a very limb lopp'd off:—And yet, in faith, 'tis not; his present want Seems more than we shall find it.†2 more peril → perilous:dangerous Show general definition danger
	4
beseechbeseech → beseeches:begs She beseeches her students to think about their future.more Show sample from book At my tent The Douglas is: and I beseech your Grace I may dispose of him.†3 more to ask strongly or beg for something Show general definition to ask strongly or beg for something Show editor's word notes Beseech is common in classic literature. Though its usage has doubled in recent decades, it remains a rare word in modern writing. Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): Beseech is similar to beg or entreat. Beg implies the request for a personal favor, while entreat implies an attempt to overcome resistance.
	4
forswearforswear → forsworn:renounced or disavowed The group has forsworn terrorism in favor of negotiating an end to the conflict.more Show sample from book I have forsworn his company hourly any time this two-and-twenty year, and yet I am bewitch'd with the rogue's company.†3 more forswear → forsworn:to decide to stop doing something; OR to renounce or disavow something Show general definition for forswear (as in: forswear my country of birth) to decide to stop doing something; or to renounce or disavow something
	4
valorcourage (exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle) She received a medal for valor.more Show sample from book An the Prince and Pointz be not two arrant cowards, there's no equity stirring: there's no more valour in that Pointz than in a wild duck.†3 more valor → valour:exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle Show context notes This is a British spelling. Americans use valor. Show general definition exceptional or heroic courage when facing danger -- especially in battle
	18
bardsomeone who composes poems about important events and people Shakespeare is sometimes called the Bard of Avon.more Show sample from book Bardolph,— BARD.†17 more someone who composes and recites or sings poems about important events and peopl… Show general definition for bard (as in: written by the bard) someone who composes and recites or sings poems about important events and people; or (as a proper noun) Shakespeare Show editor's word notes Shakespeare is sometimes called the Bard of Avon or just the Bard.
	3	top 2000
reprovereprove → reproves:criticizes She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.more Show sample from book The virtue of this jest will be, the incomprehensible lies that this same fat rogue will tell us when we meet at supper: how thirty, at least, he fought with; what wards, what blows, what extremities he endured; and in the reproof of this lies the jest.†2 more reprove → reproof:criticism Show general definition express disapproval or criticism -- typically in a mild manner & sometimes even in a friendly manner
	3
mettlecourage Her mettle was tested in the face of danger, yet she stood resolute, displaying remarkable courage.more Show sample from book They take it already upon their salvation, that though I be but Prince of Wales, yet I am the king of courtesy; and tell me flatly I am no proud Jack, like Falstaff, but a corinthian, a lad of mettle, a good boy,—by the Lord, so they call me;—and, when I am King of England, I shall command all the good lads in Eastcheap.†2 more courage or strength of character Show general definition courage or strength of character
	2	top 2000
peremptorynot allowing contradiction or refusal The judge issued a peremptory order, leaving no room for debate or discussion.more Show sample from book Worcester, get thee gone; for I do see Danger and disobedience in thine eye: O, sir, your presence is too bold and peremptory, And majesty might never yet endure The moody frontier of a servant brow.†1 more
	2
beguilebeguile → beguiling:enchanting; or enchanting and deceptive Few men could remain detached while looking into her beguiling eyes.more Show sample from book I know you, Sir John: you owe me money, Sir John; and now you pick a quarrel to beguile me of it: I bought you a dozen of shirts to your back.†1 more to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; OR to deceive Show general definition to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; or to deceive -- especially through charm
	2
parleydiscussion or negotiation The rival leaders agreed to a brief parley to negotiate a ceasefire.more Show sample from book I understand thy looks: that pretty Welsh Which thou pour'st down from these swelling heavens I am too perfect in; and, but for shame, In such a parley should I answer thee.†1 more a negotiation or discussion -- especially between enemies Show general definition a negotiation or discussion -- especially between enemies