The Winter's Tale — Vocabulary
William Shakespeare
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Exemplary sample	Uses	ACT/SAT
	18
beseechbeseech → beseeches:begs She beseeches her students to think about their future.more Show sample from book Beseech you,— ARCHIDAMUS.†17 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.
	4	top 500
lamentlament → lamented:expressed grief about She lamented the loss.more Show sample from book whose loss of his most precious queen and children are even now to be afresh lamented.3 more lament → lamented:grieved or mourned Show general definition to express grief or regret
	5	top 1000
tyrannya form of government where some people control others in a harsh, unfair manner The U.S. constitution was designed with checks and balances and limited government to protect Americans from tyranny.more Show sample from book Nay, rather, good my lords, be second to me: Fear you his tyrannous passion more, alas, Than the queen's life?†4 more tyranny → tyrannous:harsh and unjust rule Show general definition harsh and unjust rule
	3	top 100
yieldproduce (lead to) The discovery could yield a more effective treatment for diabetes.more Show sample from book I yield all this; But, for some other reasons, my grave sir, Which 'tis not fit you know, I not acquaint My father of this business.†2 more produce or give Show general definition for yield (as in: will yield valuable data) to produce (usually something wanted); or the thing or amount produced
	4	top 500
scarcityshortage There is a scarcity of work in the region.more Show sample from book Gentle my lord, You scarce can right me throughly then, to say You did mistake.†3 more scarcity → scarce:in short supply OR barely or hardly (by a small margin) Show general definition shortage (having an amount that is less than desired)
	5	top 1000
afflictafflict → afflicted:made to suffer The region was afflicted by a long drought that destroyed most crops.more Show sample from book I am sorry, sir, I have thus far stirr'd you: but I could afflict you further.†4 more cause suffering Show general definition to cause pain, suffering, or trouble -- especially something long-lasting or hard to endure
	5
trifletrifle → trifling:unimportant We all agree with the goal, but how to achieve it is not a trifling matter.more Show sample from book She prizes not such trifles as these are:4 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
	4	top 2000
countenancefacial expression; or face She has a pleasant countenance.more Show sample from book The king hath on him such a countenance As he had lost some province...3 more facial expression Show general definition for countenance (as in: a pleasant countenance) facial expression; or face; or composure or manner
	2	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 I think there is not in the world either malice or matter to alter it.†1 more the desire to hurt others or see them suffer Show general definition the intention or desire to see others suffer
	2	top 500
perpetualcontinuing forever A perpetual flame burns beside the grave of John F. Kennedy.more Show sample from book Pr'ythee, bring me To the dead bodies of my queen and son: One grave shall be for both; upon them shall The causes of their death appear, unto Our shame perpetual.†1 more continuing forever without change; OR occurring so frequently it seems constant Show general definition continuing forever without change; or occurring so frequently it seems constant
	4	top 2000
chidechide → chides:corrects or criticizes She constantly chides me for my grammar.more Show sample from book Sir, my gracious lord, To chide at your extremes it not becomes me,—O, pardon that I name them!†3 more scold or criticize Show general definition to tell someone they have done wrong -- sometimes in a gentle way to encourage better behavior
	4
entreatentreat → entreated:asked She flattered and entreated him until he agreed to help.more Show sample from book To satisfy your highness, and the entreaties of our most gracious mistress.3 more entreat → entreaties:requests Show general definition to ask -- especially while trying hard to overcome resistance
	4	top 2000
vengeancerevenge Most Americans wanted vengeance after the 9-11 attacks.more Show sample from book I would not be a stander-by to hear My sovereign mistress clouded so, without My present vengeance taken: 'shrew my heart, You never spoke what did become you less Than this; which to reiterate were sin As deep as that, though true.†3 more the act of taking revenge Show general definition for vengeance (as in: vengeance is mine) the act of taking revenge (Revenge means to harm someone to get them back for something harmful that they have done.)
	11
balladslow, emotional song that tells a story The singer ended the concert with a heartfelt ballad about lost love.more Show sample from book This is a merry ballad; but a very pretty one.†10 more a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings Show general definition a song (or poem) that tells a story or expresses strong feelings -- typically slow in tempo
	1	top 1000
contrarydifferent (perhaps opposite or mutually exclusive) The facts point to a contrary conclusion.more Show sample from book My lord should to the heavens be contrary, Oppose against their wills.1 more different (doing something other than what the heavens would dictate) Show general definition for contrary (as in: a contrary idea) different (perhaps opposite or mutually exclusive) Show editor's word notes In formal logic, contrary propositions or contrary arguments describe two things that cannot both be true. They might be described as mutually exclusive. For example, a pet cannot be both a cat and a dog. It doesn't need to be either, but if it is one, it cannot be the other. So the statement that a pet is a cat and the statement that the same pet is a dog, are contrary statements.
	1	top 2000
contrary toin opposition to Contrary to popular belief, the largest pyramid is in Mexico--not Egypt.more Show sample from book Hermione, queen to the worthy Leontes, king of Sicilia, thou art here accused and arraigned of high treason, in committing adultery with Polixenes, king of Bohemia; and conspiring with Camillo to take away the life of our sovereign lord the king, thy royal husband: the pretence whereof being by circumstances partly laid open, thou, Hermione, contrary to the faith and allegiance of true subject, didst counsel and aid them, for their better safety, to fly away by night.1 more Show general definition for contrary to (as in: contrary to) in opposition to Show editor's word notes You could also think of this as meaning, despite, or in spite of, or in conflict with; but since a common meaning of contrary is opposite, you many find it easiest to think of contrary to as in opposition to.
	5
commendpraise I commend you for a good job.more Show sample from book Commend my best obedience to the queen;4 more express a favorable opinion of Show general definition for commend (as in: I commend her work) praise or recommend
	4	top 2000
penitentsorry for having done wrong When her anger passed, she was penitent.more Show sample from book ...no fault could you make, Which you have not redeem'd; indeed, paid down More penitence than done trespass: at the last, Do as the heavens have done, forget your evil; With them forgive yourself.3 more penitent → penitence:remorse (sorrow) for misdeeds Show general definition feeling or expressing sorrow for having done wrong; or a person who does such
	3
chastea virgin Despite the societal pressure to engage in premarital relations, Bella remained chaste until her wedding night.more Show sample from book The gods themselves, Humbling their deities to love, have taken The shapes of beasts upon them: Jupiter Became a bull and bellow'd; the green Neptune A ram and bleated; and the fire-rob'd god, Golden Apollo, a poor humble swain, As I seem now:—their transformations Were never for a piece of beauty rarer,—Nor in a way so chaste, since my desires Run not before mine honour, nor my lusts Burn hotter than my faith.†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>
	2	top 2000
impudentimproperly bold or disrespectful She is an impudent girl given to insulting strangers.†more Show sample from book If thou wilt confess,—Or else be impudently negative, To have nor eyes nor ears nor thought,—then say My wife's a hobby-horse; deserves a name As rank as any flax-wench that puts to Before her troth-plight: say't and justify't.†1 more Show general definition improperly bold or disrespectful -- especially toward someone who is older or considered to be of higher status