Love's Labour's Lost — Vocabulary
William Shakespeare
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	22
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 forswore not thee:21 more forswear → forswore:renounced (disavowed or decided to stop doing 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
	16
envoyrepresentative sent on a mission The State Department's new envoy to North Korea has a good understanding of the region.more Show sample from book Some enigma, some riddle: come, thy l'envoy; begin.†15 more Show general definition a representative sent on a mission -- often representing a government
	9
beseechbeseech → beseeches:begs She beseeches her students to think about their future.more Show sample from book I beseech your Grace, let this letter be read; Our parson misdoubts it; 'twas treason, he said.†8 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 500
devisecome up with (invent or create) She plans to devise something to launch water balloons.more Show sample from book Who devised this penalty?†5 more devise → devised:came up with (invented or created) Show general definition for devise (as in: devise a plan) to come up with a way of doing something -- typically a creative idea or plan
	7	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book He made her melancholy, sad, and heavy; And so she died:6 more sad (perhaps depressed) Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	1	top 1000
profounddeep or far-reaching in intellect or consequence She shared a profound way of thinking about the problem.more Show sample from book And profound Solomon2 more deep thinking
	2	top 500
profound#2intense (of great emotional depth) Her apology was heartfelt--expressing profound sorrow and regret.more Show sample from book With such a zealous laughter, so profound,2 more intense Show general definition for profound (as in: profound sadness) of greatest intensity or emotional depth
	5	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book I'll lay my head to any good man's hat These oaths and laws will prove an idle scorn.†4 more disrespect or reject as not good enough Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	7	top 2000
mirthfun and laughter The room filled with mirth as the friends shared stories and laughed late into the night.more Show sample from book It cannot be; it is impossible: Mirth cannot move a soul in agony.†6 more
	4	top 500
rhetoricuse of words to make a point She has convincing rhetoric, but she makes bad decisions.more Show sample from book If my observation,—which very seldom lies, By the heart's still rhetoric disclosed with eyes, Deceive me not now, Navarre is infected.†3 more the use of (or study of using) words to make a point Show general definition the use of (or study of using) words to make a point -- typically implying skillful use Show editor's word notes Rhetoric is used with many connotations. "Effective rhetoric" has a positive connotation, If someone says something is "just rhetoric," they're implying that the words may make a good surface impression, but they are lacking in substance.
	6
salvea cream or liquid put onto skin to make it feel better or heal She smeared some salve on the wound and then wrapped it in a bandage.more Show sample from book Some salve for perjury.5 more something that eases pain or anxiety Show general definition a cream or liquid put onto skin to make it feel better or heal or: anything that eases pain or anxiety; or the act of doing such
	4	top 1000
zealactive interest and enthusiasm She attacks each challenge with zeal.more Show sample from book What zeal, what fury hath inspired thee now?3 more Show general definition active interest and enthusiasm
	5	top 2000
pavilionfreestanding structure without walls We're meeting for a picnic under the pavilion at the park.more Show sample from book A pavilion and tents at a distance.†4 more a large structure separate from a main structure or temporary Show general definition a large building or section of a building that stands apart in function or design -- often used for gatherings, exhibitions, or specialized purposes
	5	top 2000
treasonbetraying one's own country He was executed for treason in a time of war.more Show sample from book Some certain treason.†4 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)
	10
adieugoodbye She whispered a quiet adieu as she turned to leave.more Show sample from book Well, sit out; go home, Berowne; adieu.†9 more Show general definition a farewell remark (an alternative to goodbye) Show editor's word notes Adieu is typically more formal than bye. It comes from the French, à Dieu which literally means "to God" — as in I entrust you to God's care.
	6
perjurythe criminal offense of telling lies in court after formally promising to tell the truth They did not charge her with theft. They charged her for perjury during her testimony to the grand jury.more Show sample from book You are attaint with faults and perjury;5 more making false statements Show general definition the criminal offense of telling lies after formally promising to tell the truth -- such as when testifying in a court trial
	4	top 2000
forbearancetolerance She won the children over with patience and forbearance.more Show sample from book To hear meekly, sir, and to laugh moderately; or, to forbear both.3 more forbearance → forbear:refrain (hold back) from acting Show general definition patient tolerance or self-control; or holding back from taking action or enforcing a right Show editor's word notes Today, the word, forbearance, is most commonly seen in the field of law to indicate that a legal right, claim or privilege is not being enforced.
	3	top 2000
pedanticoverly concerned with book learning Her lectures were too pedantic for my taste.more Show sample from book The pedant, the braggart,2 more pedantic → pedant:someone too concerned with book learning Show general definition too concerned with formal rules, details, or book learning
	2	top 2000
edictorder The Taliban issued an edict that girls could not attend school.more Show sample from book 'sorted and consorted, contrary to thy established proclaimed edict and continent canon, with—with,—O!†1 more an order -- typically a formal proclamation or a legally binding court decree Show general definition an order -- typically a formal proclamation or a legally binding court decree Show editor's word notes Synonym Comparison (if you're into word choice): As compared to "proclamation", "order", or "legal finding", "edict" is often chosen to imply that the order is unfair.
	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 What peremptory eagle-sighted eye Dares look upon the heaven of her brow, That is not blinded by her majesty?†1 more