Hamlet Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary Words from Hamlet

• Apparition: Refers to a ghost or an unexpected appearance, often inducing fear or surprise.
• Usurp: The act of seized power or authority unlawfully or by force.
• Brazen: Describes behavior that is shameless, bold, or impudent; often used to convey audacity in actions.
• Harbinger: An indicator or a forerunner of something that is going to happen, often signaling an impending event.
• Extort: To obtain something, typically money, through threats or intimidation, implying coercion.
• Auspicious: Indicates a favorable sign; used to describe conditions that predict success.
• Dirge: A mournful song or piece of music, particularly associated with funerals; a lament for the deceased.
• Visage: Refers to a person's face, especially regarding its features or expression.
• Filial: Pertains to the duties or relationships of a son or daughter, often highlighting familial obligations.
• Retrograde: Indicates movement backward, often used in contexts of decline or return to earlier states.
• Jocund: Describes a cheerful, lighthearted demeanor or atmosphere.
• Dexterity: Skillfulness in using one's hands or body; valuable in both physical and mental tasks.
• Importunity: Refers to persistent and urgent requests or demands, often becoming tiresome to others.
• Prodigal: Characterized by recklessly wasteful expenditure; often applied to habits related to spending.
• Calumny: Slander; an untrue statement made to damage someone's reputation.
• Imminent: Describes something that is likely to happen very soon; pressing or impending.
• Libertine: A person who leads an unrestrained, dissolute life, often devoid of moral principles.
• Dalliance: Light-hearted or trifling behavior; engaging in playful actions without serious intent.
• Precepts: Rules or guiding principles for conduct; commands that dictate acceptable behavior.
• Censure: To express severe disapproval or condemnation, usually in a formal context.
• Purge: To cleanse or rid oneself of impurities, guilt, or unwanted aspects.
• Dispatch: To send off promptly or to deal with something quickly, can also mean to put to death.
• Pernicious: Describing something that is harmful, especially in a way that is gradual or not immediately obvious.
• Impunity: The state of being exempt from punishment or harm; freedom to act without consequence.
• Sully: To tarnish or stain someone's reputation; to make something dirty or disgraceful.
• Gaming: Refers specifically to gambling activities, often involving risk and chance.
• Entreat: To earnestly request or beg someone for something, implying desperation.
• Expostulate: To reason with someone in protest; to express objections to someone's decisions.
• Artful: Cunning or sly in cunningly achieving goals, often requiring intricate planning.
• Soliciting: The act of begging or requesting earnestly for something.
• Surmise: To make an educated guess, often without complete evidence; to infer.
• Repulse: To drive someone or something back; to reject or fend off an attack or approach.
• Pestilent: Describing something harmful or deadly; often associated with diseases.
• Quintessence: The purest or most concentrated form of something; an ideal example of a particular quality.
• Appurtenance: Something that belongs or is a supplementary part; an accessory or subordinate component.
• Abridgement: A condensed form of a text or work; an abbreviation that retains essential information.
• Niggardly: Describes stingy behavior; unwilling to give or spend resources.
• Beseech: To implore or urgently request something from someone; can imply a deep need.
• Wont: A habit or custom that is typically associated with an individual or group.
• Consummation: The act of bringing something to completion or fulfillment.
• Contumely: An insulting remark or behavior; often associated with arrogance and scorn.
• Insolence: Rude or disrespectful behavior; contempt shown toward authority or others.
• Resolution: A strong determination to accomplish a goal or adhere to a decision.
• Orisons: Prayers or petitions, often made earnestly or solemnly.
• Buffet: To strike forcefully; can also refer to a situation of struggle or conflict.
• Clemency: Refers to mercy or leniency, often shown in decisions regarding punishment; can relate to mild weather.
• Rank: A foul-smelling or distinctly negative quality; often describes something unmistakably bad.
• Bulwark: A protective wall or barrier; metaphorically used to describe defense against dangers.
• Incorporeal: Describing something that does not have a physical body; ghost-like in essence.
• Discourse: Elaborate discussion or communication, often formal, conveyed through speech or writing.
• Unction: The act of anointing with oil; a soothing characteristic of a balm or similar substance.
• Abstinence: The practice of refraining from indulgence, particularly regarding food and alcohol.
• Mandate: An authoritative order or command that requires compliance.
• Discord: A state of conflict or disagreement; disruption of harmony.
• Convocation: A gathering or assembly that has been called together for a specific purpose.
• Oblivion: A state of forgetfulness or being forgotten; loss of consciousness.
• Incensed: Enraged or intensely angered; describes a heightened emotional state.
• Abate: To lessen, diminish, or reduce in intensity or degree.
• Remiss: Describing negligence or lack of care in performing duties; laxity.
• Lay: Refers to a song or ballad; often linked to storytelling.
• Circumvent: To evade or find a way around an obstacle or rule.
• Obsequies: The funeral rites or ceremonies performed for the deceased.
• Churlish: Describing ill-mannered or rude behavior; lacking civility.
• Requiem: Music or mass performed in honor of the deceased; often a solemn tribute.
• Indiscretion: An action or statement marked by a lack of caution; often with potential negative consequences.
• Dearth: A scarcity or lack of something, often referring to essential resources.
• Winnowing: The process of sifting or separating valuable from worthless; identifying the best.
• Foil: To thwart or frustrate plans; refers to a fencing sword with a blunt point.
• Carouse: To engage in lively drinking and merrymaking; often a form of celebration.
• Havoc: Widespread destruction or ruin; chaos resulting from an event.