Hamlet vocabulary words and definitions

Hamlet Vocabulary (Context Clue, Dictionary Definition, Definition From Context Clue)

Hamlet Act One Vocabulary Chart Directions: In the context clue column, write down the context clue for the vocabulary word from the sentence. In the definition from context column, write your best idea of what the word means based on the context clue. In the last column, write the dictionary definition. Vocabulary Word

Context Sentence Context Clue Definition from Context Dictionary Definition

1. auspicious (adj.)

“Therefore our sometime sister, now our queen…have we…with an auspicious and a dropping eye…with dirge in marriage…taken to wife” (1.2.8-14).

2. impotent (adj.)

“[The king of] Norway…impotent and bedrid, scarcely hears of this his nephew’s purpose” (1.2.28-30).

3. beseech (v.) “He hath, my lord, wring from me my slow leave by laborsome petition…I do beseech you give him leave to go” (1.2.58-61).

4. dejected (adj.)

“It isn’t just my black suit…nor shedding a river full of tears…nor the dejected [be]havior of the visage…that can denote me truly” (1.2.77- 83).

5. commendable (adj.)

“’Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, to give these mourning duties to your father” (1.2.87-88).

Hamlet Act One Vocabulary Chart Directions: In the context clue column, write down the context clue for the vocabulary word from the sentence. In the definition from context column, write your best idea of what the word means based on the context clue. In the last column, write the dictionary definition. Vocabulary Word

Context Sentence Context Clue Definition from Context Dictionary Definition

6. obsequious (adj.)

“You must know that your father lost a father…and the survivor bound in filial obligation for some term to do obsequious sorrow” (1.2.89- 92).

7. obstinate (adj.)

“To persever in obstinate condolement is a course of impious stubbornness” (1.2.92- 94).

8. vulgar (adj.)

“For what we know must be and is as common as any the most vulgar thing to sense, why should we in our peevish opposition take it to heart?” (1.2.98-101).

9. truant (adj.) “Hamlet: But what, in faith make you from [school at] Wittenberg?” “Horatio: A truant disposition, good my lord” (1.2.168-169).

10. tenable (adj.)

“I pray you all, if you have hitherto concealed this sight, let it be tenable in your silence still” (1.2.246-248).

Hamlet Act One Vocabulary Chart Directions: In the context clue column, write down the context clue for the vocabulary word from the sentence. In the definition from context column, write your best idea of what the word means based on the context clue. In the last column, write the dictionary definition. Vocabulary Word

Context Sentence Context Clue Definition from Context Dictionary Definition

11. calumny (n.)

“Virtue itself scapes not calumnious strokes…and in the morn and liquid dew of youth contagious blastments are most imminent”(1.3.38-42)

12. libertine (n.)

“Do not…show me the steep and thorny way to heaven, whiles, like a puffed and reckless libertine [you] the primrose path of dalliance treads” (1.3.47-50)

13. censure (v.) “Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment” (1.3.69)

14. importune (v.)

“My lord, he hath importuned me with love in honorable fashion” (1.3.110-111).

15. scant (adj.) “From this time be something scanter of your maiden presence. Set your entreatments at a higher rate than a command to parley” (1.4.120-123).

Hamlet Act One Vocabulary Chart Directions: In the context clue column, write down the context clue for the vocabulary word from the sentence. In the definition from context column, write your best idea of what the word means based on the context clue. In the last column, write the dictionary definition. Vocabulary Word

Context Sentence Context Clue Definition from Context Dictionary Definition

16. beguile (v.)

“Do not believe his vows, for they are…show…the better to beguile” (1.3.127-131)

17. render (v.) “My hour is almost come, when I to sulf’rous and tormenting flames must render up myself” (1.5.2-4)

18. enmity (n.)

“The [poison] holds such an enmity with blood of man that it courses through [the blood and solidifies it like] curd” (1.5.65-69).

19. contrive (v.)

“But howsomever thou pursues this act, taint not thy mind, nor let thy soul contrive against thy mother…Leave her to heaven” (1.5.85-86).

20. pernicious (adj.)

“O most pernicious woman! O villain, villain, smiling, damned villain!” (1.5.105-106).