Henry VIII — Vocabulary
William Shakespeare
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	17	top 200
malicemalice → malicious:evil; or made with the intent to make others suffer I am not interested in hearing malicious gossip.more Show sample from book More out of malice than integrity,16 more wanting to see others suffer Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
	24	top 2000
consciencemoral judgment of personal behavior I have a guilty conscience and want to make it right.more Show sample from book I know myself now; and I feel within me A peace above all earthly dignities, A still and quiet conscience.†23 more feeling or appraisal of having personally behaved in a morally right or wrong manner Show general definition feeling or judgment of morally right or wrong personal behavior
	8
beseechbeseech → beseeches:begs She beseeches her students to think about their future.more Show sample from book I do beseech your Grace, for charity, If ever any malice in your heart Were hid against me, now to forgive me frankly.†7 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.
	6	top 1000
heedheed → heedlessness:pay close attention to Heed the advice of those who have been there before.more Show context notes The suffix "-lessness" in heedlessness means in a state without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearlessness, powerlessness, and harmlessness. Show sample from book Thus it came; give heed to't:5 more pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
	5	top 500
integritystrong moral principles They agreed to have her judge the contest because everyone admires her integrity.more Show sample from book There's some of ye, I see, more out of malice than integrity, would try him to the utmost,4 more Show general definition for integrity (as in: a person of high integrity) having strong moral principles -- especially honesty
	6
entreatentreat → entreated:asked She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.more Show sample from book I humbly do entreat your Highness' pardon; My haste made me unmannerly.5 more ask Show general definition to ask -- especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
	6	top 2000
treasonbetraying one's own country He was executed for treason in a time of war.more Show sample from book Sir, My lord the Duke of Buckingham, and Earl Of Hereford, Stafford, and Northampton, I Arrest thee of high treason, in the name Of our most sovereign king.†5 more an act of betrayal Show general definition betraying someone or something -- typically betraying one's own country (in this context, to betray is to not be loyal--often by helping enemies)
	5	top 2000
bestowgive (as an honor) They gave her the highest honor they can bestow.more Show sample from book 'Tis the Cardinal; And merely to revenge him on the Emperor For not bestowing on him, at his asking, The archbishopric of Toledo, this is purpos'd.†4 more bestow → bestowing:giving Show general definition to give -- typically to present as an honor or give as a gift
	3	top 500
perishbe destroyed or cease to exist ...government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth.Abraham Lincoln — Gettysburg Addressmore Show sample from book I shall perish Under device and practice.†2 more die, be destroyed, or cease to exist Show general definition to die -- especially in an unnatural way or: to be destroyed or cease to exist Show editor's word notes You may encounter an informal expression, "Perish the thought." It means that the speaker hopes the thought will cease to exist and the thing it represents will never happen.
	3	top 500
reveredeeply respect and admire Many fans revere Michael Jordan as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.more Show sample from book Deserve we no more reverence?2 more revere → reverence:respect and admiration Show general definition regard with feelings of deep respect and admiration -- sometimes with a mixture of wonder and awe or fear
	5	top 2000
monka male member of a religious order typically living under vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience The Tibetan monk wore an orange robe.more Show sample from book A monk o' the Chartreux.†4 more a male member of a religious order typically living under vows of poverty, chast…
	5	top 2000
wretchedmiserable The children were taken into protective custody due to their wretched living conditions.more Show sample from book I had my trial, And, must needs say, a noble one; which makes me A little happier than my wretched father.†4 more miserable or very bad Show general definition very bad in various senses, including: unfortunate or miserable -- as in "wretched prisoners sleeping on the cold floor" of poor quality -- as in "wretched roads" morally bad -- as in "The wretched woman stole his wallet."
	2	top 200
disdainlack of respect She tries to be polite, but she cannot hide her disdain for authority.more Show sample from book The Cardinal in his passage fixeth his eye on Buckingham, and Buckingham on him, both full of disdain.1 more a lack of respect (for the other) Show general definition to disrespect or reject as unworthy
	2	top 200
eminentrespected and well-known She studied under an eminent scientist who had won multiple international awards.more Show sample from book You, that have so fair parts of woman on you, Have too a woman's heart, which ever yet Affected eminence, wealth, sovereignty; Which, to say sooth, are blessings; and which gifts, Saving your mincing, the capacity Of your soft cheveril conscience would receive, If you might please to stretch it.†1 more eminent → eminence:famous, respected, or important within a particular field or profession Show general definition famous, respected, or important within a particular field or profession
	5	top 2000
scruplesprinciples that discourage certain kinds of action She doesn't share my scruples on the subject.more Show sample from book Either the Cardinal, Or some about him near, have, out of malice To the good Queen, possess'd him with a scruple That will undo her.†4 more scruples → scruple:an ethical or moral principle that discourages certain kinds of action
	3	top 500
censurecensure → censured:formally criticized They censured him for bringing dishonor upon the Senate.more Show sample from book wag his tongue in censure2 more criticism Show general definition harsh criticism; or formal criticism from an organization -- such as the U.S. Senate
	4
commendpraise I commend you for a good job.more Show sample from book the King's Majesty commends his good opinion of you3 more commend → commends:expresses (a favorable opinion -- possibly in a message) Show general definition for commend (as in: I commend her work) praise or recommend
	2	top 1000
allayreduce the intensity of They have tried to allay fears by saying their weapons are of a defensive nature.more Show sample from book I say again, there is no English soul More stronger to direct you than yourself, If with the sap of reason you would quench, Or but allay, the fire of passion.†1 more reduce the intensity of; OR calm Show general definition reduce the intensity of; or calm
	2	top 2000
rectifycorrect, fix, or make right I am doing what I can to rectify the error.more Show sample from book That longer you desire the court; as well For your own quiet, as to rectify What is unsettled in the King.1 more fix or make right
	2
unrequitedunreturned It's a sad song about the heartbreak of unrequited love.more Show sample from book At his return No doubt he will requite it.†1 more unrequited → requite:repay or return Show context notes Today, unrequited is used much more commonly than forms of requite. You'll probably learn unrequited first. The prefix "un-" means not, so when it's not there, the meaning of unrequited is reversed. This is the same pattern you see in words like unhappy, unknown, and unlucky. Show general definition not returned (typically of feelings -- as in unrequited love)