William Shakespeare is one of the most renowned playwrights and poets in history. His works have been translated into dozens of languages, and his influence on literature, language, and culture has been enormous. In fact, many English words originate directly from some of the Bard’s writings.
With that said, here are 12 English words that come “directly” from William Shakespeare:
9. Dauntless
The word ‘dauntless’ first appeared in Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1595). He wrote “Be not afraid; she shall not harm thee, Julia…Why shouldst thou be so dauntleſs to ſcorn death?”
The word ‘dauntless’ is derived from the Old French word ‘danter’, meaning to subdue or tame.
7. Radiance
The word ‘radiance’ first came up in Julius Caesar (1599): “But for mine own part, it was Greek to me; I could not tell what would become of it: But yet I wist a radiance did o’erspread his face…”
The word comes from Middle English, meaning to shine brightly.
6. Eventful
The term ‘eventful’ first appeared in Cymbeline (1610). Shakespeare writes: “Our meaner ministers Have done their daring feat, and shewn their event”. The original meaning of the word was full of events or happening.
However, its modern interpretation suggests that something is important or significant.
5. Swagger
It is believed that the word ‘swagger’ can be found in Love’s Labour’s Lost (1588): “Would you not laugh? Would you not say ’tis strangely done?” said one character to another.
According to linguists, the word comes from Middle Dutch, meaning to walk with a proud gait.
4. Pander
The term ‘pander’ first appeared in Othello (1604) when Iago said: “To prate and talk? Why, thou know’st I am na pandar.” The origin of the word is believed to be Greek and it means someone who caters to one’s desires or needs.
3. Gloomy
The term ‘gloomy’ appears in Romeo and Juliet (1597): “Sit you down, father; here is better cheer/ Grief would have mourn’d longer,–married with my woes/ Too rough a wind to please the delicate seas.”
And the word is derived from Old English and means gloomy or dark.
2. Elbow
The word ‘elbow’ first appears in King Lear (1605). Shakespeare wrote: “The way that you euſe me, ſpeakes of diſgrace; Your purpoſe me thinks, with elbowing crowding To beare me down, vnder your footed ſtomping”.
Nonetheless, the origin of the word can be traced back to Middle English and Proto-Germanic languages meaning bend or angle.
1. Bedazzled
The term ‘bedazzled’ first came up in The Taming of the Shrew (1593). In the play, one of Shakespeare’s characters says: “His wit’s as thick as tittle-tattle, and I love him for that. He hath been a courtier. And bedazzles me with the discourse of court’s customs.”
However, the word is derived from Old English meaning to charm or delight.
