How Many Words Did Shakespeare Invent?
William Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the most influential writers in the English language. His works continue to be studied, performed, and enjoyed around the world, centuries after his death. Shakespeare’s impact on the English language is as vast as it is undeniable. One area of particular interest is his contribution to the language through the invention of new words.
Top 10 Words that Shakespeare Invented
Shakespeare is often credited with the invention of hundreds of words, many of which have become permanent fixtures of the English language. Here, we take a look at the top 10 words Shakespeare invented.
- Lonely: First used in “Coriolanus,” this word was formed by combining “lone” and “-ly” as a suffix.
- Gloomy: First used in “Titus Andronicus,” this word was formed by combining “gloom” and “-y” as a suffix.
- Fashionable: First used in “Troilus and Cressida,” this word was formed by combining “fashion” and “-able” as a suffix.
- Frugal: First used in “The Merry Wives of Windsor,” this word was formed by combining “frugality” and “-al” as a suffix.
- Bump: First used in “Romeo and Juliet,” this word may have originated from the Middle Dutch word “bompen,” meaning “to thump.”
- Majestic: First used in “Cymbeline,” this word was formed by adding the suffix “-ic” to “majesty.”
- Rant: First used in “Hamlet,” this word may have originated from the Dutch word “ranten,” meaning “to talk foolishly.”
- Zany: First used in “Love’s Labour’s Lost,” this word may have originated from the Italian word “zani,” meaning “fool.”
- Swagger: First used in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” this word may have originated from the Old Norse word “svegr,” meaning “to swing.”
- Bedazzle: First used in “The Taming of the Shrew,” this word was formed by combining “be-” and “dazzle” as a verb.
These words are just a small representation of the many words credited to Shakespeare. Each of them illustrates Shakespeare’s creativity and innovation, as well as his ability to create words that continue to be used in modern English.
The Bard’s Neologisms
Shakespeare’s linguistic creativity was not confined to individual words. He also demonstrated a remarkable ability to invent entirely new words that expressed complex concepts and emotions. These words were not always immediately embraced. In fact, some of them faced resistance and criticism. However, many of these words have endured and are still being used in the English language today.
One example of a Shakespearean neologism is “eyeball,” which first appeared in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This word was created to describe the act of locking eyes with someone, and it has since become a common term in everyday language.
Another example is “unreal,” which first appeared in “Macbeth.” Prior to Shakespeare’s use, the word “real” was used to describe tangible things. Shakespeare’s use of “unreal” as a way to describe something that was intangible or imaginary was a bold and innovative move that has had a lasting impact on the language.
Shakespeare’s neologisms reflect his ability to think outside the box and create new words to convey his ideas and themes. In doing so, he expanded the potential of the English language and set the stage for continued linguistic innovation.
Why Shakespeare is the Father of Modern English
Shakespeare’s impact on the evolution of the English language is immeasurable. His contribution to the language is so significant that he is often referred to as the “father of modern English.”
One of the ways in which Shakespeare shaped the language was by introducing words and phrases that endure in the language today. Some examples include “break the ice,” “star-crossed,” and “wild-goose chase.” Many of these phrases have entered the lexicon as common idioms that are still being used today.
Moreover, Shakespeare helped to elevate the English language to the forefront of global literature. He demonstrated the power and potential of the language through his groundbreaking plays and sonnets. His literary genius was so outstanding that it influenced both the English language and literary forms for centuries to come.
Shakespeare’s command of the English language enabled him to write works that continue to be studied and admired by people all over the world. His contribution to the language and to global literature is evidence of his significance and lasting impact on human culture.
The Intellectual Power of Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s extraordinary vocabulary and expressive power are well documented. His works are filled with words and phrases that reflect his complex ideas and themes.
Shakespeare’s vocabulary is estimated to include over 30,000 words, which is significantly more than the average English-speaking person today. What is more impressive is that Shakespeare used a substantial portion of these words in a way that had never been used before, effectively creating new meanings and linguistic relationships.
Comparing Shakespeare’s works with other writers of his time underscores his literary importance. His vocabulary outstrips that of most other writers, including the renowned writer Ben Jonson.
The Phenomenon of Shakespearean English
The language used by Shakespeare reflects the social and cultural context of his time. This phenomenon is known as Shakespearean English.
Shakespearean English was shaped by a variety of factors, including the influence of other languages, trends in pronunciation and grammar, and the rise of literary forms. These factors all contributed to the linguistic environment that allowed Shakespeare’s linguistic creativity to flourish.
As society and language have evolved, Shakespeare’s language has faced changes as well. One example of this is the change in pronunciation. Many of the words that Shakespeare invented would have been pronounced very differently in his time than they are today. However, these changes have only served to enhance Shakespeare’s legacy and to cement his place in the history of the English language.
Shakespearean English continues to be studied and admired today. His works are still being performed and reinterpreted across many different cultures and languages.
The Shakespearean Linguistic Legacy
Shakespeare’s contribution to the English language is immeasurable. His words and phrases continue to be used in everyday conversation, literature, and media more than 400 years after they were first coined.
One of the most enduring aspects of Shakespeare’s contribution is his invention of new words. Many of these words, including “obsession,” “compromise,” and “premeditated,” have become a permanent part of the English language.
Shakespeare’s legacy reflects his singular genius and his impact on the development of the English language. His creativity and innovation helped shape the language into the rich and expressive medium that it is today.
Conclusion
Shakespeare’s contribution to the English language cannot be overstated. His remarkable creativity and literary genius gave rise to many of the words and idioms that we still use today. His impact on the evolution of the English language and on world literature are two of his most significant legacies.
Shakespeare’s mastery of language and his use of neologisms represent a high point in the development of the English language. His achievements continue to inspire and influence generations of writers and thinkers.