Did Shakespeare Invent Words? Exploring the Origin of Unusual Words in His Works

Introduction

Did Shakespeare invent words? This question has been asked by many, from scholars to casual readers alike. William Shakespeare was a renowned playwright, poet, and actor in Elizabethan England. As such, he changed the way we use and understand language today. He used words in ways that had never been seen before, creating new ones as well as redefining existing ones. Through his work, he revolutionized the English language and left an indelible mark on the world.

A Historical Look at the Words Shakespeare Invented

When examining the words Shakespeare invented, it is important to note that not all of them were completely new. Rather, many of his creations were simply combinations of existing words, which he put together in new and interesting ways. For example, the word “eyeball” was created by combining “eye” and “ball”. Similarly, the word “swagger” was created by combining “swag” and “ger”. It is estimated that Shakespeare is responsible for introducing over 1,700 words into the English language.

In addition to creating new words, Shakespeare also had a knack for turning old words into something new. He would take an existing word and give it an entirely different meaning. For example, the word “lonely” was first used in the 1590s in one of Shakespeare’s plays, but it did not mean what we think of now. Instead, it meant “solitary” or “desolate”. Similarly, the word “amazement” was first used by Shakespeare in the early 1600s, but it did not mean “surprise”. Instead, it meant “dread” or “fear”.

The most notable example of this kind of wordplay is found in the term “assassination”. The word was first used by Shakespeare in Macbeth, but it did not refer to murder until later. It originally referred to “a secret agreement of men to do a certain thing”.

Exploring the Origins of Unusual Words in Shakespeare’s Works

In order to better understand the origin of the unusual words found in Shakespeare’s works, it is important to examine his use of vocabulary and neologisms. Neologisms are words or phrases that are created or coined by an individual. In Shakespeare’s case, many of these words were created through wordplay or puns. For example, the word “eyeball” is a combination of “eye” and “ball”, while the word “amazement” is a combination of “amaze” and “ment”. These types of wordplay were common in Elizabethan England, and they gave Shakespeare the opportunity to create new words.

In addition to wordplay, Shakespeare also used Latin and Greek roots to create new words. For example, the word “dauntless” is derived from the Latin word “dauntare”, meaning “to overpower”. Similarly, the word “gloomy” is derived from the Greek word “gloios”, meaning “dark”. By combining existing words with Latin and Greek roots, Shakespeare was able to create new words that could be understood by his audience.

The Power of Language: How Shakespeare Revolutionized the English Language

Shakespeare’s use of language was revolutionary and had a profound impact on the English language. His innovative use of words and wordplay opened up a whole new world of possibilities for future writers. By expanding the English language, Shakespeare made it easier for people to express themselves and to communicate complex ideas. His influence can be seen in the works of authors such as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and even modern-day writers.

In addition to inspiring future writers, Shakespeare’s work also had a lasting impact on the English language itself. According to a study by the University of Glasgow, over 25% of the most commonly used words in the English language today can be traced back to Shakespeare. This includes words such as “architecture”, “criticise”, “gloomy”, and “jaded”. His words have become so ingrained in our language that many of us don’t even realize we’re using them.

Conclusion

William Shakespeare was a master of language, and his influence on the English language is undeniable. By creating new words, redefining old ones, and combining existing words with Latin and Greek roots, he revolutionized the English language and opened up a world of possibilities for future writers. His words have become so ingrained in our language that they are used without thought, and his influence can be seen in the works of some of the greatest writers of all time. From the words he introduced to the way he revolutionized language, Shakespeare will remain an influential figure in literature for centuries to come.

In conclusion, the answer to the question “Did Shakespeare invent words?” is a resounding yes. He combined existing words, redefined old ones, and created new ones with Latin and Greek roots. His innovative use of language revolutionized the English language and left an indelible mark on the world.