Reading the works of William Shakespeare often feels like deciphering a secret code. While the playwright wrote in English, the language of the late 16th and early 17th centuries—known as Early Modern English—contains many words and grammatical structures that have since fallen out of use. Understanding these difficult words and phrases is the key to unlocking the stories, emotions, and humor within his plays and sonnets.
Whether you are a student preparing for an exam, an actor rehearsing a scene, or a curious reader, having a reliable way to define Shakespearean vocabulary is essential. By learning a few core terms and understanding how language has evolved, you can move past the initial confusion and truly enjoy some of the greatest literature ever written. This guide provides a straightforward breakdown of common archaic terms, “false friends,” and practical tips for reading Shakespeare with confidence.
Why Shakespearean Language Can Be Challenging
It is a common misconception that Shakespeare wrote in Old English. In reality, Old English is the language of Beowulf, which is nearly unrecognizable to modern speakers. Shakespeare wrote in Early Modern English, which is structurally very similar to the English we speak today.
The difficulty arises because many words have changed their meanings over the last 400 years. Additionally, Shakespeare often used contractions to maintain the rhythm of his verse. He also had a massive vocabulary, frequently inventing new words or using existing words in creative, metaphorical ways. Understanding the context of his life in Stratford-upon-Avon and the theatrical culture of London helps clarify why he chose certain expressions.
Common Archaic Words and Their Meanings
Many words that appear frequently in Shakespeare’s plays are no longer used in daily conversation. Learning these “staple” words will immediately make any play easier to follow. Here are some of the most common terms you will encounter:
- Anon: This means “soon” or “shortly.” If a character says they will arrive anon, they are on their way.
- Wherefore: This is often mistaken for “where,” but it actually means “why.” When Juliet asks, “Wherefore art thou Romeo?” she is asking why he must be a Montague, not where he is located.
- Hark: A simple command meaning “listen” or “pay attention.”
- Fain: This means “gladly” or “willingly.” A character who would “fain” do something is happy to do it.
- Hie: This is a verb meaning “to hurry” or “go quickly.”
- Alack/Alas: These are exclamations used to express grief, regret, or disappointment.
Pronouns and Verb Endings
Shakespeare used familiar and formal versions of “you,” similar to how many European languages function today. “Thee,” “thou,” and “thy” were generally used for friends, family, or social inferiors. “You” and “your” were used for formal address or to show respect.
You will also notice different verb endings, such as “-eth” (as in “goeth” for “goes”) or “-est” (as in “knowest” for “know”). These were standard grammatical markers of the time and do not change the core meaning of the action being described.
Beware of “False Friends”
The most confusing parts of Shakespeare’s writing are often the words we still use today, but which meant something entirely different in the 1600s. These are known as “false friends.” If you read them with their modern definitions, the sentence may not make sense, or you might completely misunderstand a character’s intentions.
Common Examples of Meaning Shifts
- Nice: Today this means pleasant. In Shakespeare’s time, it often meant “trivial,” “foolish,” or “picky.”
- Silly: This usually meant “innocent,” “simple,” or “helpless” rather than “funny” or “absurd.”
- Brave: While it could mean courageous, it was more frequently used to mean “handsome,” “splendid,” or “well-dressed.”
- Awful: This meant “full of awe” or “inspiring wonder,” rather than something inherently bad.
- Fond: If a character is described as “fond,” they are usually being called “foolish” or “naive” rather than affectionate.
When a sentence seems confusing despite using familiar words, it is a good idea to check if one of those words had a different meaning in the 17th century. Context clues within the scene can often help you identify these shifts.
Understanding Shakespearean Phrases and Idioms
Shakespeare was a master of the idiom. In fact, many phrases we use today—like “in a pickle,” “break the ice,” or “heart of gold”—were either popularized or invented by him. However, some of his phrases are more obscure because they refer to specific historical customs or beliefs.
Metaphors and Cultural References
Shakespeare often drew comparisons to the natural world, Greek and Roman mythology, and the social hierarchy of his time. For example, references to “the humors” relate to the medical belief that the body was controlled by four fluids. If a character is “cholerick,” they are angry because they have too much yellow bile.
To understand these phrases, it helps to look at the broader themes of the play. In his histories, language often revolves around the “divine right of kings.” In his comedies, much of the wordplay relies on puns and double meanings that would have been obvious to a contemporary audience but may require a brief explanation for modern readers.
Practical Tips for Defining Difficult Terms
You do not need to be a scholar to understand Shakespeare. Using a few practical strategies can help you navigate difficult passages without losing the flow of the story. The goal is to gain enough understanding to follow the plot and the emotional arc of the characters.
1. Read Aloud
Shakespeare wrote his plays to be heard, not just read silently on a page. The rhythm of the lines (often written in iambic pentameter) can help clarify the meaning. Often, a phrase that looks confusing in print makes perfect sense when you hear the emphasis and tone of the words.
2. Use a Specialized Glossary
General dictionaries may not include the archaic definitions needed for 16th-century literature. Using a dedicated Shakespearean glossary or an annotated edition of the play is highly recommended. These resources provide the specific definitions used during the Elizabethan and Jacobean eras.
3. Look at the Punctuation
Modern editors add punctuation to Shakespeare’s text to help readers. Pay close attention to commas, colons, and periods. They indicate where a character pauses to think or where one thought ends and another begins. This structure can help you group words together and find the “subject” and “verb” of long, complex sentences.
4. Watch a Performance
If you are struggling with a specific scene, find a filmed performance. Professional actors use their body language, facial expressions, and vocal inflection to convey the meaning of difficult words. Seeing the context of an action often makes the vocabulary secondary to the understanding of the moment.
The Value of Learning Shakespeare’s Language
While it takes a bit of effort to define these difficult words and phrases, the reward is a deeper connection to some of the most influential stories in history. Shakespeare’s language is incredibly precise; he chose specific words to convey subtle nuances of character and mood. By taking the time to understand “wherefore” or “anon,” you gain access to the wit and wisdom that have kept these plays relevant for centuries.
As you become more familiar with the vocabulary, you will find that you need to look words up less frequently. The patterns of Early Modern English will become second nature, allowing you to focus on the themes of love, power, revenge, and humanity that make Shakespeare’s work timeless.
Understanding the language of the past is a powerful tool for any reader. Whether you are exploring the streets of Stratford-upon-Avon or reading a play at home, clarity is the first step toward appreciation. We invite you to explore our other guides on literature and history to continue building your knowledge and making complex topics easy to understand.