Shakespeare common vocabulary notes

What does 'thou' mean?

'Thou' is a second-person singular pronoun meaning 'you.'

Define 'thee.'

'Thee' is an object form of 'thou,' also meaning 'you.'

Difference between 'thy' and 'thine.'

'Thy' is a possessive adjective (your), while 'thine' is a possessive pronoun (yours).

What does 'dost' refer to?

'Dost' is an old form of 'do' used with 'thou.'

True or false: 'hence' means 'from here.'

False, because 'hence' means 'from this time' or 'for this reason.'

What is a 'sonnet'?

A sonnet is a 14-line poem with a specific rhyme scheme, often about love.

Fill in the blank: 'Alas!' is used to express _____.

sorrow or regret.

What does 'verily' mean?

'Verily' means 'truly' or 'certainly.'

What is the meaning of 'forsooth'?

'Forsooth' means 'in truth' or 'indeed,' used to emphasize.

True or false: 'wherefore' means 'where.'

False, because 'wherefore' means 'why.'

Define 'gentle.'

'Gentle' refers to someone of noble birth or kind disposition.

What does 'fain' mean?

'Fain' means gladly or willingly.

Difference between 'hast' and 'has.'

'Hast' is the second-person singular form of 'have,' while 'has' is third-person singular.

Fill in the blank: 'Prithee' is a contraction of 'I pray thee,' meaning _____.

please.

What is 'playwright'?

A playwright is a person who writes plays.

What does 'beseech' mean?

'Beseech' means to urgently and fervently ask someone for something.

Define 'knave.'

'Knave' refers to a dishonest or deceitful man.

True or false: 'naught' means 'nothing.'

True, because 'naught' signifies 'nothing' or 'worthless.'