MACBETH
Vocabulary List 1: Act I, Scenes 1-4
Scene 2
p. 9
Plight (n) unfortunate, difficult, or precarious situation
Valor (n) personal bravery; heroism
Minion (n) servile dependent, follower; one highly favored
Scene 3
p. 17
Foul (adj) disagreeable, stormy; offensive to the senses; dirty
Rapt (adj) absorbed, engrossed, carried away with emotion
p.19
Corporal (adj) of or relating to the body; physical
p.23
Trifle (n) something of little value or importance; (v) to make insignificant
Surmise (v) to guess, presume, suppose
p. 25
Interim (n) meanwhile, a time intervening
Scene 4
p. 27
Implore (v) to call or pray for earnestly; entreat
Repentance (n) turning from sin and resolving to reform one’s life
Recompense (n) compensation; to requite, to give in time
p. 29
Wanton (adj) unrestrained
Harbinger (n) one that announces or foreshadows what is coming
Vocabulary List 2: Act I, Scenes 5-7; Act II Scenes 1-2
Act I
Scene 5
p. 31
Chastise (v) to punish; to criticize severely
Impede (v) to interfere with the progress of
Fate (n) the cause or will that is held to determine events
p. 35
Beguile (v) to deceive; to while away
Scene 7
p. 41
Esteem (v) to set a high value on; (n) high regard
p. 43
Undaunted (adj) not discouraged or dismayed; bold
Mettle (n) spirit, fortitude
p. 45
Mock (v) to treat with contempt or ridicule; (adj) fake
Act II
Scene 1
p. 51
Cleave (v) adhere, cling; to divide by force, split in two
Augment (v) to make greater, more numerous, larger, or more intense (increase)
Repose (v) to lie at rest
p. 53
Palpable (adj) capable of being touched
Scene 2
p. 59
Infirm (adj) lacking vitality, feeble from age; insecure
Gild (v) to overlay with or as if with a thin covering of gold
Appall (v) to overcome with horror; dismay
MACBETH
Vocabulary List 3: Act II, Scenes 3-4; Act III Scene 1
Act II
Scene 3
p. 61
Equivocator (n) one who uses misleading language to confuse or deceive
p. 63
Provoke (v) to bring on, incite
p. 65
Stirring (adj) moving; aroused as from sleep
Prophesying (v) [from prophesize] predicting; speaking by divine inspiration
p. 67
Counterfeit (n) something made to imitate another thing with intent to defraud
Countenance (v) to face, look upon; acknowledge or sanction
Parley (n) discussion or conference, usually over matters of dispute
p. 71
Consort (v) to keep company; harmonize
Scene 4
p. 75
Suborn (v) to insight or instigate secretly
Act III
Scene 1
p. 81
Posterity (n) all the descendants from one generation; time to come
p. 83
Indissoluble (adj) permanent; incapable of being dissolved or broken
Parricide (n) one that murders his mother, father, or other close relative
p. 85
Rancor (n) deep hatred; intense ill will
p. 89
Vile (adj) morally despicable; physically repulsive
Incensed (adj) extremely angry
Vocabulary List 4: Act III Scenes 2-7
Act III
Scene 2
p. 95
Assailable (adj) able to be violently attacked
Marvel (v) to feel wonder or amazed curiosity
Scene 4
p. 99
Dispatch (v) to attend to rapidly or efficiently (usually to kill)
Nonpareil (adj) having no equal; peerless
p. 103
Gory (adj) bloodstained; horrible; sensational
Fit (n) a sudden violent attack (as of a bodily disorder)
p. 105
Muse (v) to become absorbed in thought
Scene 6
p. 113 Pious (adj) practiced or used in the name of real or pretended religious motives, or for some good object; falsely earnest or
sincere
p. 115 Malevolence (n) hatred, ill will; evil, malice
Homage (n) reverential regard
Rue (n) regret, sorrow (v) regret
Accursed (adj) under a curse; damnable
Act IV
Scene 1
p. 121 Blaspheming (adj) to speak of or address with irreverence or mockery
p. 127
Vanquished (adj) defeated in battle; subdued completely
MACBETH Vocabulary List 1: Act I, Scenes 1-4
Exercise 1
Read the sentences and fill in the correct vocabulary word based upon the context clues.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Some say recent tax laws have worsened the _______ of the poor and made the rich even richer.
The flashing blue and red lights were a ___________________ of the policeman’s arrival.
The king ordered his ________ to fluff his pillow and bring him more grapes.
Insensitive and selfish people often ________with the feelings of others.
The drunk driver was forced to ______ the victims of the accident as part of his punishment.
The _______ teenager stayed out all night and did anything she wanted.
Most religions believe that after a person’s __________ existence has ceased, their spirit lives on.
In the _________ between daytime soap operas and prime time television, networks tend to show talk shows like Oprah.
Detective Benson was able to _________ from the brightly lit crime scene that the perpetrator was afraid of the dark.
The firefighter’s _______ when fighting the fire earned him a commendation from the mayor.
Jake couldn’t believe the _________ smells emanating from the dump.
After years of lying to his family about his drug use, Arnold’s _________ began with a confession and a resolution to go to rehab.
The young couple was so _____ by each other that they paid attention to little else.
After the principal threatened to call their parents, the students realized they would have to _______ her to let them off with a
warning.
Exercise 2: Look at each word as it is used in context and decide upon the closest synonym from the choices provided.
15. There was news of the explosion, but it was too soon to know the plight of those trapped inside the mine.
a. purpose
b. misfortune
c. predicament
16. Because Sir Geoffrey showed great heroism in battle, he received a medal for valor.
a. courage
b. honesty
c. strength
17. Hank was the favorite minion, especially because he followed every order his master gave him.
a. servant
b. posse
c. son
18. My mother’s foul mood was only worsened when my sister came home with a tattoo.
a. disgraceful
b. nasty
c. entertaining
19. She was so rapt by the movie that she didn’t notice Tony sneaking up on her.
a. captivated
b. angered
c. warmed
20. Soldiers must not only be concerned with the corporal aspects of their job, but the mental ones too.
a. mundane
b. psychic
c. physical
21. The lady offered her handkerchief as a trifle for the handsome knight to remember her by.
a. token
b. insult
c. bribe
22. From the look on his face, I was able to surmise that he was not in the mood for company.
a. misunderstand b. deduce
c. sign
23. In the interim between Act One and Act Two, I chatted with Melany.
a. area
b. middle
c. intermission
24. I implored my mother to let me go to the rock concert on a school night.
a. begged
b. berated
c. ordered
25. True repentance means turning away from a life of crime.
a. remorse
b. anger
c. forgiveness
26. His apology was little recompense for the hour I lost searching for my hidden keys!
a. money
b. payback
c. token
27. Sheila’s wanton spending will quickly leave her bankrupt.
a. loose
b. insane
c. thrifty
28. The dark clouds were harbingers of the coming storm.
a. forerunners
b. countermeasures
c. helpers
Exercise 3:
Match each word with its antonym.
29. Plight
a. Spiritual
30. Valor
b. Cautious
31. Minion
c. Disinterested
32. Foul
d. Cowardice
33. Rapt
e. Fortune
34. Corporal
f. Master
35. Implore
g. Clean
36. Wanton
h. Command
Exercise 4:
Answer each question in a manner that demonstrates the meaning of the word (remember to use the correct part of speech).
37. What would be the plight of someone accused of being a witch in medieval times?
38. How does the valor of today’s soldiers compare to that of knights?
39. Who would be a minion of the devil?
40. Why shouldn’t you trifle with someone’s Ipod?
41. Who is a good example of someone who has embraced repentance?
42. What food would you consider to be especially foul to eat?
43. What would you surmise is the best way to earn money for college?
44. How would you successfully implore your teacher to give you extra credit?
45. What would be the result of a ruler with wanton cruelty?
46. What (or who) will be the harbinger of the apocolypse?
Exercise 5: Complete the crossword puzzle below using the mnemonic clues.
Across:
1. I feel wouldn't give two cents if I lost one of these
4. If you are not easily surprised, you must be very able to do this
5. Mini-me was this to Dr. Evil
7. Without holding back, the Chinese restaurant gave me a ton
8. Someone who is all wrapped up in something might be described as...
9. Replenishing stolen pennies might be a form of this
12. Punishment of this kind is not allowed in school
13. Prince Valiant, the noble knight, would have this
Down:
2. I'm pleading with you (and so doing this...)
3. Hark! This person brings news of the future.
6. In time, you will receive a progress report, also known as...
10. If you were about to plunge off the edge of a cliff, your ______
would be severe
11. I won't repeat my mistakes; I plan to change
14. Filthy deed earning free-throws
3
4
6
7
8
1
2
10
11
5
14
9
13
12
MACBETH Vocabulary List 2: Act I, Scenes 5-7; Act II Scenes 1-2
Exercise 1: Read the sentences and fill in the correct vocabulary word based upon the context clues.
1.
Unless you want to _____________ the investigation, you should answer the detective’s questions honestly.
2.
Barnacles ______________ to the side of a ship like Angelina Jolie hangs on Brad Pitt.
3.
If you want to ___________________ someone with your charms, don’t let it slip that you usually behave like a monster.
4.
If my mother were to see the state of my room, which hasn’t been cleaned in a year, it would _____________ her.
5.
After an afternoon devoted to ________________, Michael was ready to get back to work.
6.
Because Paul used profanity in class, his teacher was forced to ______________ him.
7.
Employers _________________ employees who are hard-working, punctual, and friendly.
8.
Someone who wishes to ______________ his income might take on a second job.
9.
Although they insisted __________ brought them together, they were actually introduced by a friend.
10. While a glare can’t really be felt, hatred can sure seem ______________.
11. One might __________ an athlete’s shoes after he or she makes the hall of fame.
12. Few people suspected that willowy Sarah had the _____________ to stick with boot camp until the end.
13. They say you should never __________ an angry dog unless you want it to attack you.
14. Although my _______________ grandmother could no longer get out of bed, her mind was sharp as a tack.
15. Surprisingly, the horrific crash during the race left the NASCAR driver ______________; he vowed to drive again as soon as
he recovered.
Exercise 2: Look at each word as it is used in context and decide upon the closest synonym from the choices provided.
16. Bibles and other important or classic books are often composed of pages with shiny gilded edges.
a. golden
b. sharp
c. wavy
17. The teacher was appalled when the student turned in a plagiarized paper.
a. blessed
b. outraged
c. moved
18. Anna chastised her daughter all the time, especially if she forgot to call home when she was late.
a. served
b. annoyed
c. reprimanded
19. The congregating seniors in the hallway impede the flow of traffic through the halls.
a. stop
b. obstruct
c. speed
20. The tension in the air was palpable; we could sense how angry they were at each other.
a. wicked
b. physical
c. fanned
21. Beautiful young women often get what they want by beguiling men, causing them to open their wallets.
a. losing
b. appealing
c. mesmerizing
22. Often the person that is mocked in his youth grows up to be the one least worthy of scorn.
a. teased
b. faked
c. bribed
23. Freshman seem to cleave to each other on the first day of school for a sense of security.
a. pass
b. stick
c. slice
24. In the Nazi concentration camps, the infirm were sent to die while the strong were put to work.
a. weak
b. wizened
c. Jewish
25. I reposed while Mother cooked dinner; since I hadn’t lifted a finger, I couldn’t complain about the food.
a. relaxed
b. berated
c. played
26. Only someone with true mettle can face his deepest fears when he has to.
a. fright
b. anger
c. guts
27. It was my fate to wait an hour in the emergency room; if I hadn’t, I wouldn’t have met my future wife!
a. harbinger
b. doom
c. destiny
28. George was an honorable man esteemed by all the gangsters, and so no one ever messed with him.
a. respected
b. feared
c. hated
29. Whereas most others would have forfeited the game, the pee-wees were undaunted by the larger team.
a. unmovable
b. unconcerned c. scared
30. The morning fog would augment the humidity of that sweltering August day.
a. sweeten
b. diminish
c. enhance
Exercise 3: Match each word with its antonym.
31. Augment
32. Mettle
33. Chastise
34. Fate
35. Undaunted
36. Esteem
37. Impede
38. Repose
39. Mock
40. Appall
a. Weakness
b. Facilitate
c. Scorn
d. Praise
e. Choice
f. Attract
g. Decrease
h. Deterred
i. Agitation
j. Respect
Exercise 4: Answer each question in a manner that demonstrates the meaning of the vocabulary word (remember to use the correct
part of speech).
41. What would impede a wedding?
42. Why would your mother chastise you?
43. Who have you regretted mocking?
44. What would make you infirm?
45. When would you most want to repose?
46. How would you most effectively appall your parents?
47. How would you augment your college fund?
48. What teacher at GHS do you most esteem… and why?
49. How would a lumberjack cleave a large log or tree?
50. Would you be undaunted if there were a surprise quiz?
Exercise 5: Write the correct vocabulary word next to its mnemonic clue.
1.
Chastise
a.
Unless you like your house haunted, you will not escape _______
2.
Impede
b.
A Paul might be horrified if he is called Pauley.
3.
Fate
c.
You might get a medal for this.
4.
Beguile
d.
If you are a valued member of the team, you might be held in high _____
5.
Esteem
e.
A stampede might _______ your travels.
6.
Undaunted
f.
The golden goose laid ________ed eggs.
7.
Mettle
g.
Perhaps if you are a jock, it is geeks that you will _____.
8.
Mock
h.
If mom has to chase you all over town, this might make you wear a frown.
9.
Cleave
i.
If your education is second rate, then flipping burgers might be your ____
10.
Augment
j.
Palpitations in your heart are ________ to anyone taking your pulse.
11.
Repose
k.
If one's skin is not tight and firm, the older person might be ______
12.
Palpable
l.
If you ask an ax murderer to leave, it might be you he next will ______
13.
Infirm
m.
An argument will ensue if your anger is ____ed.
14.
Gild
n.
If you punch them in the nose, they may be forced into ______
15.
Appall
o.
If you use wiles to trick, you might be guileful and do this
MACBETH Vocabulary List 3: Act II, Scenes 3-4; Act III Scene 1 Practice
Exercise 1: Read the sentences and fill in the correct vocabulary word based upon the context clues.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
I was so _________ when John told me he had cheated on me that I broke his car window!
Mother saved the photo album for __________, hoping my children would want to see it.
One of the reasons Macbeth hesitated to kill Duncan was that he was Macbeth’s cousin, so Macbeth would not be just a murderer, but a
_______.
Jake’s ________ act of tripping the man on crutches was only augmented when he then kicked him while he was down.
During the height of a society, people believe that their nation is ________; however, the fall of the Roman Empire shows that any country is
capable of being split apart.
Lawyers who _______ lying under oath are penalized severely; if they are even suspected of encouraging witnesses to lie, they can be censured.
Even though he was able to murder the king, Macbeth was not able to ______ him again and so his wife had to return the daggers to the scene of
the crime.
Bill Clinton has been known as a great ________ ever since he questioned the definition of “is” to argue against his impeachment.
The _______ between the Montagues and Capulets in Romeo and Juliet could only be ended by the death of the children.
The only things _________ at 2 AM are my cats and the owls that live in the woods.
Ed was trying to ________ a fight with his enemy, Girard, in the hopes that Girard would throw the first punch and be suspended.
Because Jim wished to _________ with his friends on Saturday, he did all his homework on Friday.
Although they insisted the money wasn’t _________, the special ink in the store’s pen proved that the $50 note was a fake.
Exercise 2: Match each word to the appropriate synonym.
14. Equivocator
____
15. Provoke
____
16. Stirring
____
17. Counterfeit
____
18. Countenance
____
19. Consort
____
20. Suborn
____
21. Indissoluble
____
22. Rancor
____
23. Vile
____
24. Incensed
____
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
Reviving
Accompany
Evader
Enduring
Stomach
Goad
Fake
Induce
Evil
Infuriated
Resentment
Exercise 3: Answer each question in a manner that demonstrates the meaning of the vocabulary word.
25.
What would an equivocator do for a living?
26. What would provoke you to attack someone?
27. At what hour do you generally begin stirring?
28. What sort of situation would you be unable to countenance?
29. Who do you generally consort with?
30. How would you suborn a food fight?
31. What will you leave for posterity?
32. What is something you consider indissoluble?
33. Why would somebody become a parricide?
34. Why would you feel rancor toward someone?
35. What is the most vile thing you can think of?
36. Would you be incensed if you failed this class?
MACBETH Vocabulary List 4: Act III Scenes 2-6; Act IV Scene 1
Exercise 1: Read the sentences and fill in the correct vocabulary word based upon the context clues.
1. Macbeth vowed that Macduff would ___________ his betrayal and backed up that promise by ordering the commission of
most vile acts against Macduff.
2. People were expected to pay _______ to their king, since he was “anointed by God” and as such deserved respect and honor.
3. I often _______ about what it would be like to have unlimited wealth and power.
4. The commanders met with polite bows but with secret________________ in their hearts.
5. Griswold’s
center fielder was essential in the playoffs; the team never would have made it to the state tournament
without his excellent fielding and hitting.
6. The ________ student called Shakespeare boring one too many times and so his teacher forced him to read the part of
Macbeth until he changed his tune.
7. The spy was killed after the enemy government discovered him; a counter assassin was sent to _______ him.
8. The _____woman known as “the church lady” lectured all members of the congregation about the perils of sin and the
promise of hellfire.
9. The epileptic student had a
right in the middle of class, requiring medical attention.
10. The battlefield at Gettysburg was truly
, with the blood of thousands of Americans painting the trampled ground red.
11. Some believed his character was not ________, that he was beyond reproach; however, there was a dirty little secret that
threatened to destroy his credibility.
12. Jenna couldn’t help but __________________ at the pyramids; it seemed impossible that they were built thousands of years
ago with only human labor and primitive technology.
13. After the enemy had been _____________, the soldiers began to pillage and plunder, taking all the goodies from the village.
14. Franklin wondered if he wasn’t __________ after his car broke down and he missed his date with the most beautiful girl!
Exercise 2: Look at each word as it is used in context and decide upon the closest synonym from the choices provided.
15. Johnny knew if people found out about the affair, his moral character would be assailable in the election.
a. vulnerable
b. unfortunate
c. sad
16. He marveled at the courage the firefighter showed, running into the burning building not once but twice!
a. stunned
b. wondered
c. awed
17. Hank dispatched his servant to the castle, expecting he would return quickly with a reply.
a. handed
b. killed
c. sent
18. Lucy’s blueberry pie was nonpareil; it easily won the blue ribbon at the county fair every year.
a. disgraceful
b. unmatched
c. delicious
19. The movie was so gory that she was unable to look at raw meat for a week after seeing it!
a. captivating
b. awful
c. bloody
20. Mrs. Dove twitched as if having a fit when 90% of the class said they had not done their homework.
a. run
b. insult
c. attack
21. After the science lesson on acceleration, Brian mused that it might take longer to drive to the mailbox than to walk.
a. dreamed
b. pondered
c. bribed
22. From the look on his face, I was sure his pious demeanor was merely an act; he was really wicked!
a. virtuous
b. kind
c. evil
23. In Jafar’s bearded face and wild cruel eyes, there was an expression of malevolence that made me shiver.
a. kindness
b. harm
c. evil
24. In his speech he paid homage to Washington and Jefferson, the greatest fathers of our country.
a. recompense
b. dues
c. respect
25. Susan would rue the day she ever met Tony, her now ex-boyfriend; he cheated on her and broke her heart into pieces.
a. grieve
b. remember
c. forgive
26. Bobby should have known when he insulted my boss that his accursed manners would cost me my job!
a. unremarkable b. wicked
c. token
27. The cult members were certain that all nonbelievers who insulted their views were blaspheming and would therefore go
straight to hell when they died without drinking their holy Kool-Aid.
a. right
b. insane
c. offensive
28. After I vanquished the mildew in the shower, I moved on to eliminate the soap scum.
a. nurtured
b. destroyed
c. cleaned
Exercise 3: Match each word to its closest antonym.
29. ____Nonpareil
(a) save
30. ____Dispatch
(b) disrespect
31. ____Appall
(c) celebrate
32. ____Muse
(d) disregard
33. ____Malevolence
(e) blessed
34. ____Homage
(f) know
35. ____Accursed
(g) ordinary
36. ____Rue
(h) kindness
37. ____Assailable
(j) impervious
38. ____Marvel
(l) overjoy
Exercise 4: Answer each question in a manner that demonstrates the meaning of the vocabulary word (remember to use the correct
part of speech).
39) Who is someone that is nonpareil?
40)
What is the worst gory movie you have ever seen?
41)
Have you ever seen someone have a fit?
42)
What is an example of something that dispatches a person?
43)
How long can you muse about the meaning of life?
44)
Which fictional character shows the most malevolence?
45)
To whom would you most like to pay homage?
46)
Do you think you would rue not going to college?
47)
Who should be accursed?
48)
What is something that you have marveled at?
49)
When is a castle most assailable?
50)
Who is the most pious person you know?
51)
Why would someone who calls Jesus his “homeboy” be blaspheming?
52)
How can terrorism be vanquished?
Bonus For All: Pick one of the following options to further study the words and bring in proof on the day of the quiz.
1) Create flashcards for the words.
2) Write each word in a sentence that demonstrates its meaning (remember to use the correct part of speech). Use the synonyms and
devices you came up with before to help you write the sentence. (Ex. I was so rapt in the conversation that I couldn’t imagine
being engrossed in anything else.)