The Merry Wives of Windsor — Vocabulary
William Shakespeare
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	6	top 1000
deceivemislead The plan was to deceive the Germans into believing the main attack would take place further north.more Show sample from book Boys of art, I have deceived you both; I have directed you to wrong places; your hearts are mighty, your skins are whole, and let burnt sack be the issue.†5 more deceive → deceived:lied or misled Show general definition to lie to or mislead someone -- occasionally to lie to oneself by denying reality
	5	top 1000
melancholyvery sad She's been in a melancholy mood since her dog died.more Show sample from book why art thou melancholy?4 more sad Show general definition a sad feeling or manner -- sometimes thoughtfully sad
	4	top 500
devisecome up with (invent or create) She plans to devise something to launch water balloons.more Show sample from book Good hearts, devise something: any extremity rather than a mischief.†3 more 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
	4	top 500
notwithstandingin spite of Notwithstanding my fear, I want to try parachuting from an airplane.more Show sample from book Troth, sir, all is in His hands above; but notwithstanding, Master Fenton, I'll be sworn on a book she loves you.†3 more used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go … Show general definition used to show that something remains true even though something else seems to go against it Show editor's word notes Most commonly, you can substitute "in spite of" for notwithstanding. But see the first exemplary sample sentences for other common word substitutions.
	6	top 2000
acquaintcause to know better You should acquaint yourself with the new computer program.more Show sample from book Sir John, there's one Master Brook below would fain speak with you and be acquainted with you:5 more acquaint → acquainted:get to know (get familiar with) Show general definition to cause to know; or to cause to be familiar with
	4	top 2000
bestowgive (as an honor) They gave her the highest honor they can bestow.more Show sample from book If I find her honest, I lose not my labour; if she be otherwise, 'tis labour well bestowed.†3 more bestow → bestowed:gave Show general definition to give -- typically to present as an honor or give as a gift
	4
beseechbeseech → beseeches:begs She beseeches her students to think about their future.more Show sample from book I beseech you, be not so phlegmatic.†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.
	3	top 2000
prosperprosper → prospering:doing well She is prospering at school.more Show sample from book [Sings] To shallow rivers, to whose falls— Heaven prosper the right†2 more do well Show general definition to do well or to grow stronger
	2	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 Farewell: Take heed; have open eye, for thieves do foot by night; Take heed, ere summer comes, or cuckoo birds do sing.† pay close attention to; or 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
	3
chastea virgin Despite the societal pressure to engage in premarital relations, Bella remained chaste until her wedding night.more Show sample from book Well, I will find you twenty lascivious turtles ere one chaste man.†2 more not having sexual intercourse (ever, outside of marriage, or for a long time); or not involving sexual desire Show general definition for chaste (as in: remained chaste) not having sex; or not involving sexual desire Show editor's word notes The exact meaning of not having sex depends upon context. It can mean<ul><li>to be a virgin (never have sex)</li><li>to be sexually inactive currently or for a long time</li><li>to not have sex outside of marriage</li></ul>
	3	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 I was then frugal of my mirth:—Heaven forgive me!†2 more
	3
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book O woman, if it were not for one trifling respect, I could come to such honour!†2 more trifle → trifling:something of small importance; OR a small quantity Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
	2	top 1000
dismaydismay → dismayed:sad, disappointed, or worried Don't be dismayed. I have a solution.more Show sample from book No, she shall not dismay me.†1 more sadness, disappointment, or worry Show general definition to feel sadness, disappointment, or worry -- typically in response to something surprising
	2	top 2000
grievousvery serious; or very bad She suffered grievous bodily harm.more Show sample from book I will tell you: he beat me grievously in the shape of a woman; for in the shape of man, Master Brook, I fear not Goliath with a weaver's beam, because I know also life is a shuttle.†1 more grievous → grievously:very serious; OR very bad; OR causing grief Show general definition very serious; or very bad; or causing grief
	8
adieugoodbye She whispered a quiet adieu as she turned to leave.more Show sample from book Go; adieu.†7 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.
	3
beguilebeguile → beguiling:enchanting; or enchanting and deceptive Few men could remain detached while looking into her beguiling eyes.more Show sample from book beguile the rich and poor2 more deceive Show general definition to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; or to deceive -- especially through charm
	2	top 2000
forbearancetolerance She won the children over with patience and forbearance.more Show sample from book Forbear; here's company.1 more forbearance → forbear:stop (refrain or 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.
	2	top 2000
reprovereprove → reproves:criticizes She's the kind of boss who reproves in private and praises in public.more Show sample from book good Sir John, as you have one eye upon my follies, as you hear them unfolded, turn another into the register of your own, that I may pass with a reproof the easier,1 more reprove → reproof:criticism Show general definition express disapproval or criticism -- typically in a mild manner & sometimes even in a friendly manner
	2
ensconcedsettled comfortably She moved to New York for college and has been happily ensconced in the city ever since.more Show sample from book She shall not see me; I will ensconce me behind the arras.†1 more ensconced → ensconce:settled comfortably; OR hidden or safely settled in a location Show general definition settled comfortably; or hidden or safely settled in a location
	1	top 500
disparagedisparage → disparaging:criticizing or making seem less important She has a reputation for disparaging the efforts of her co-workers.more Show sample from book If Sir John Falstaff have committed disparagements unto you, I am of the church, and will be glad to do my benevolence to make atonements and compremises between you.† disparage → disparagements:to criticize or make seem less important Show general definition to criticize or make seem less important -- especially in a disrespectful or contemptuous manner