SHAKESPEAREAN LANGUAGE TERMS

Here's a glossary of common Shakespearean terms to help you understand his

language in his plays and other works better:

Pronouns
- Thou: You (subject, singular)
- Thee: You (object, singular)
- Thy/Thine: Your/Yours
- Ye: You (subject, plural)

Verbs
- Art: Are (thou art = you are)
- Hast: Have (thou hast = you have)
- Dost/Doth: Do/Does (thou dost = you do, he/she doth = he/she does)
- Wilt: Will (thou wilt = you will)
- Shalt: Shall (thou shalt = you shall)

Common Words and Phrases

- Anon: Soon, shortly
- Beseech: Beg, request earnestly
- Betwixt: Between
- Fie: An exclamation of disapproval or disgust
- Foe: Enemy
- Hark: Listen
- Hie: Hurry
- Hither: Here
- Ho: An exclamation to draw attention, similar to "hey"
- Lest: Unless, to prevent
- Nay: No
- Naught/Nought: Nothing
- O'er: Over
- Prithee: Please, I pray thee
- Sire: Father or lord
- Sirrah: A term of address used to inferiors or children
- Thence: From there
- Thither: To there
- Wert: Were (thou wert = you were)
- Whence: From where
- Wherefore: Why

Expressions
- Afoot: In progress
- Alack/Alas: An expression of sorrow or regret
- Anon: Soon, shortly
- By my troth: Truly, indeed
- Ere: Before
- Fain: Gladly, willingly
- Forsooth: Indeed, in truth
- Gramercy: Thank you, an expression of gratitude
- Haply: Perhaps
- Hence: From here
- Marry: Indeed (an exclamation)
- Methinks: It seems to me
- Perchance: Perhaps
- Save: Except
- Soft: An exclamation meaning "wait a moment" or "hold on"
- Thus: In this way
- Thyself: Yourself
- Whither: To where

Terms of Address
- Cousin/Coz: Used to refer to any relative or close friend, not necessarily a literal cousin
- Gentle: Noble, well-born
- Lord/Lady: Terms of nobility, used for high-ranking individuals
- Maiden: A young, unmarried woman
- Maid: Servant or young woman
- Noble: Of high birth or rank

Miscellaneous
- Bard: Poet, specifically Shakespeare himself
- Bosom: Heart, chest
- Countenance: Facial expression
- Cuckold: A man whose wife is unfaithful
- Ducats: Gold coins, money
- Exeunt: They exit (stage direction)
- Fair: Beautiful
- Foul: Ugly, evil
- Kinsman: Relative
- Pox: A curse, often referring to smallpox
- Rogue: Scoundrel, dishonest person
- Swain: Young lover or suitor
- Villain: Scoundrel, evil person

This glossary covers many of the terms you'll encounter in Shakespeare's plays and
sonnets. Familiarizing yourself with these words can greatly enhance your understanding
and enjoyment of his works.