What kind of english did shakespeare use

It actually means size someone up but keep quiet about it. The English language has gone through so many changes that one wonders whether understanding Shakespeare would be much different in English and Vietnamese.

This is why even native speakers of English have to read Shakespeare with a knowledge of these changes to avoid the feeling of frustration from not being able to get a whole idea of what is going on. The English language has transformed over its history.

All features of the language, namely grammar, pronunciation, vocabulary, and spelling have changed over time. There are so many differences in the language of Shakespeare and modern English. For example, semantic changes have led to different meanings of words.

A word like silly meant blessed, while it means foolish today. Words have adopted new meanings and some features have been eliminated from the English language. It is not because of ignorance or illiteracy. The only reason is that many words have changed their meanings over these centuries. By John McWhorter, Ph. But as speakers of English, these changes might not be tangible or perceivable to us. We might think that the changes in the English language happened a very long time ago and will not happen again.

Shakespeare is difficult to understand because his language is different. Although lexicographers are continually discovering new origins and earliest usages of words, below are listed words and definitions we still use today that are widely attributed to Shakespeare. Alligator: n a large, carnivorous reptile closely related to the crocodile Romeo and Juliet , Act 5 Scene 1.

Fashionable: adj stylish; characteristic of a particular period Troilus and Cressida , Act 3 Scene 3. Lonely: adj feeling sad due to lack of companionship Coriolanus , Act 4 Scene 1. Nervy: adj sinewy or strong; bold; easily agitated Coriolanus , Act 2 Scene 1. Shakespeare chose the names of his characters carefully and often the names have hidden meanings.

See some examples explained here. A selection of our favourite Shakespeare quotes, passages and sonnets, perfect for wedding readings.

Let's stay in touch We are using email more than ever to keep you up-to-date. Don't forget that you can update your contact preferences at any time. Check My Preferences. Iambic pentameter This is the rhythm that Shakespeare uses in his plays.

Watch Video. Your browser does not support the audio element. Michael Pennington and Jonathan Bate on language. You are in: About Shakespeare. Also in this section Also in this section Shakespeare's plays Shakespeare's life and times Shakespeare's Sonnets Shakespeare's contemporaries. First folio. Resources on this famous text that was lovingly assembled by Shakespeare's fellow actors after his death in Read More.