The Taming of the Shrew — Vocabulary
William Shakespeare
(Auto-generated)

Word Set

Samples

Sort By

Further limit words

by scene of first use

to Show all

by difficulty

to (9 is most difficult)

by interest

underline any show only

Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	14
entreatentreat → entreated:asked She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.more Show sample from book Let us entreat you stay till after dinner.13 more ask earnestly Show general definition to ask -- especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
	6	top 1000
cunningclever and deceitful She came up with a cunning scheme to cheat him.more Show sample from book I have some sport in hand wherein your cunning can assist me much.5 more cleverness 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)
	7
dowrymoney or property given by a woman's family to the husband at marriage She was given her inheritance in the form of a dowry.more Show sample from book Then tell me, if I get your daughter's love, What dowry shall I have with her to wife?6 more money or property given by a woman's family to the husband at marriage (a cultural custom in that time and place) Show general definition in some societies, money or property given by a woman's family to the husband at marriage or less formally: money or property a bride brings to a marriage
	4	top 1000
shrewdsmart She is a shrewd negotiator.more Show sample from book Petruchio, shall I then come roundly to thee And wish thee to a shrewd ill-favour'd wife?†3 more Show general definition smart -- especially in negotiating with people (may infer underhanded dealings)
	2	top 200
disdainlack of respect She tries to be polite, but she cannot hide her disdain for authority.more Show sample from book to make a bondmaid and a slave of me; that I disdain1 more disrespect Show general definition to disrespect or reject as unworthy
	3	top 1000
affablegood natured and sociable She's an affable, never-met-someone-she-didn't-like kind of woman.more Show sample from book an affable and courteous gentleman2 more Show general definition good natured and sociable
	3	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 You heedless joltheads and unmanner'd slaves!†2 more heed → heedless:ignorant or ignoring; or not following advice Show context notes The suffix "-less" in heedless means without. This is the same pattern you see in words like fearless, homeless, and endless. Show general definition pay close attention to; or to do what is suggested -- especially with regard to a warning or other advice
	2	top 200
scornscorn → scorned:rejected Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.more Show sample from book Nor a musician as I seem to be; But one that scorn to live in this disguise For such a one as leaves a gentleman And makes a god of such a cullion: Know, sir, that I am call'd Hortensio.†1 more disrespect or reject as not good enough Show general definition disrespect or reject as not good enough
	2	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 'Twas a commodity lay fretting by you; 'Twill bring you gain, or perish on the seas.†1 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.
	2	top 500
diligentcareful and hardworking She's the kind of diligent worker we want to hire.more Show sample from book thou seest how diligent I am1 more hardworking and careful Show general definition for diligent (as in: she is diligent) working carefully and steadily with effort and attention to detail
	4	top 2000
chidechide → chides:corrects or criticizes She constantly chides me for my grammar.more Show sample from book Not her that chides, sir, at any hand, I pray.†3 more chide → chides:scolds or criticizes Show general definition to tell someone they have done wrong -- sometimes in a gentle way to encourage better behavior
	3	top 2000
bestowgive (as an honor) They gave her the highest honor they can bestow.more Show sample from book Gentlemen, importune me no further, For how I firmly am resolv'd you know; That is, not to bestow my youngest daughter Before I have a husband for the elder.†2 more give Show general definition to give -- typically to present as an honor or give as a gift
	32	top 2000
pedanticoverly concerned with book learning Her lectures were too pedantic for my taste.more Show sample from book How fiery and forward our pedant is!†31 more pedantic → pedant:someone too concerned with formal rules, details, or book learning Show general definition too concerned with formal rules, details, or book learning
	6
forswearforswear → forsworn:renounced or disavowed The group has forsworn terrorism in favor of negotiating an end to the conflict.more Show sample from book have you both forsworn me?5 more forswear → forsworn:renounced Show general definition for forswear (as in: forswear my country of birth) to decide to stop doing something; or to renounce or disavow something
	3
amorousromantic or sexual She rejected his amorous advances.more Show sample from book A proper stripling, and an amorous!†2 more Show general definition romantic or sexual
	3
beguilebeguile → beguiling:enchanting; or enchanting and deceptive Few men could remain detached while looking into her beguiling eyes.more Show sample from book she was beguiled and surprised2 more beguile → beguiled:deceived Show general definition to charm, enchant, or entertain someone; or to deceive -- especially through charm
	3
carouseparty loudly After turning in her final exam, she and her friends went out to carouse and blow off steam.more Show sample from book Sir, I shall not be slack; in sign whereof, Please ye we may contrive this afternoon, And quaff carouses to our mistress' health; And do as adversaries do in law, Strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.†2 more carouse → carouses:having fun with others in a noisy manner -- typically while drinking alcohol Show general definition having fun with others in a noisy manner -- typically while drinking alcohol
	3
adieugoodbye She whispered a quiet adieu as she turned to leave.more Show sample from book Father, and wife, and gentlemen, adieu.†2 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	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book In countenance somewhat doth resemble you.6 more facial expression Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	1	top 2000
countenance#2to tolerate or approve We will not countenance torture.more Show sample from book You must meet my master to countenance my mistress.6 more show favor Show general definition for countenance (as in: giving countenance) to tolerate, approve, or show favor or support