Othello, the Moor of Venice — Vocabulary
William Shakespeare
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Exemplary sample Uses ACT/SAT
13
beseechbeseech → beseeches:begs
She beseeches her students to think about their future.more
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I humbly do beseech you of your pardon
For too much loving you.12 more
beg
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.
5 top 200
malicemalice → malicious:evil; or made with the intent to make others suffer
I am not interested in hearing malicious gossip.more
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what malice was between you?4 more
ill will (wanting to see others suffer)
Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
6 top 1000
cunningclever and deceitful
She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more
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I will be found most cunning in my patience;5 more
clever
Show general definition for cunning (as in: a cunning thief) being good at achieving goals through cleverness -- and typically through deception as well (tricking others)
6
entreatentreat → entreated:asked
She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.more
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I do entreat that we may sup together:5 more
ask
Show general definition to ask -- especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
3 top 500
devisecome up with (invent or create)
She plans to devise something to launch water balloons.more
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I'll send her to you presently; And I'll devise a mean to draw the Moor Out of the way, that your converse and business May be more free.†2 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
3 top 500
censurecensure → censured:formally criticized
They censured him for bringing dishonor upon the Senate.more
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...To you, lord governor,
Remains the censure of this hellish villain;
The time, the place, the torture. O, enforce it!2 more
harsh or formal criticism
Show general definition harsh criticism; or formal criticism from an organization -- such as the U.S. Senate
5
chastea virgin
Despite the societal pressure to engage in premarital relations, Bella remained chaste until her wedding night.more
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Thus credulous fools are caught; And many worthy and chaste dames even thus, All guiltless, meet reproach.†4 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>
5 top 2000
chidechide → chides:corrects or criticizes
She constantly chides me for my grammar.more
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She puts her tongue a little in her heart,
And chides with thinking.4 more
chide → chides:tells someone they have done wrong
Show general definition to tell someone they have done wrong -- sometimes in a gentle way to encourage better behavior
5
citadelfortified place
She walked along the ancient walls of the citadel that once protected the entire city.more
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They give their greeting to the citadel: This likewise is a friend.†4 more
a stronghold or fortress
Show general definition a stronghold or fortress
4 top 2000
bestowgive (as an honor)
They gave her the highest honor they can bestow.more
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Sir, would she give you so much of her lips As of her tongue she oft bestows on me, You'd have enough.†3 more
bestow → bestows:gives
Show general definition to give -- typically to present as an honor or give as a gift
4 top 2000
dotingdemonstrating love and uncritical affection
She has doting parents.more
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O my sweet, I prattle out of fashion, and I dote In mine own comforts.†3 more
doting → dote:demonstrate love and uncritical affection
Show general definition demonstrating love and uncritical affection
Show editor's word notes Doting may also imply that the doter tends to hover around the person they love to help attend to any needs.
4 top 1000
repentto feel regret for having done wrong and to firmly decide to be a better person in the future
Prisoners who repent are more likely to be released on parole.more
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I see, sir, you are eaten up with passion: I do repent me that I put it to you.†3 more
to express or feel regret for having done wrong
2 top 1000
divinewonderful
Her pies are divine.more
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The divine Desdemona2 more
Show general definition for divine (as in: to forgive is divine) wonderful; or god-like or coming from God
1 top 2000
divine#2figure out
He tried to divine her true feelings from the way she avoided eye contact.more
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Something from Cyprus, as I may divine:2 more
guess (discover through intuition or reflection)
Show general definition for divine (as in: divined through intuition) to discover or guess something -- usually through intuition or reflection
2
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant
We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more
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Trifles light as air Are to the jealous confirmations strong As proofs of holy writ: this may do something.†2 more
trifle → trifles:things of small importance
Show general definition for trifle (as in: a trifling matter) something of small importance; or a small quantity
1
trifle withtreat thoughtlessly or without respect
She is not a woman to trifle with or ignore.more
Show sample from book
Do not believe That, from the sense of all civility, I thus would play and trifle with your reverence: Your daughter,—if you have not given her leave,—I say again, hath made a gross revolt; Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes In an extravagant and wheeling stranger Of here and everywhere.†2 more
Show general definition for trifle with (as in: trifle with her affections) to treat somebody or something thoughtlessly or without respect
5
beguilebeguile → beguiling:enchanting; or enchanting and deceptive
Few men could remain detached while looking into her beguiling eyes.more
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So let the Turk of Cyprus us beguile;4 more
charm and/or deceive
Show general definition to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; or to deceive -- especially through charm
4
adieugoodbye
She whispered a quiet adieu as she turned to leave.more
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Adieu, brave Moor; use Desdemona well.†3 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.
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denotesindicates
The asterisk ("*") denotes a footnote.more
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But this denoted a foregone conclusion: 'Tis a shrewd doubt, though it be but a dream.†1 more
denotes → denoted:means literally; OR  indicates
Show general definition means literally; or indicates
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iniquityimmorality
That was when I realized I had to climb up from the depths of iniquity.more
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Though in the trade of war I have slain men, Yet do I hold it very stuff o' the conscience To do no contriv'd murder: I lack iniquity Sometimes to do me service: nine or ten times I had thought to have yerk'd him here under the ribs.†1 more
immorality; OR  an immoral act
Show general definition immorality; or an immoral act