1. Usurp
Source: Hamlet
Example: The pretender tried to usurp the throne.
Definition: Seize and take control without authority and possibly with force; take as one’s right of possession.
2. Moiety
Source: Hamlet
Example: Many First Nations peoples find themselves grouped within different moieties.
Definition: One of two basic subdivisions of a tribe.
3. Portentous
Source: Hamlet
Example: The letter contained portentous news.
Definition: Of momentous or ominous significance.
4. Harbinger
Source: Hamlet
Example: Frost is a harbinger of winter.
Definition: Something that precedes and indicates the approach of something or someone.
5. Partisan
Source: Hamlet
Example: Shall I strike the target with my partisan?
Definition: A pike with a long tapering double-edged blade with lateral projections.
6. Hallowed
Source: Hamlet
Example: The Ganges is hallowed as a sacred, cleansing river.
Definition: Worthy of religious veneration.
7. Auspicious
Source: Hamlet
Example: It was not the most auspicious moment to hold an election.
Definition: Auguring favorable circumstances and good luck.
8. Filial
Source: Hamlet
Example: It was a display of filial affection.
Definition: Relating to or characteristic of or befitting… an offspring.
9. Obsequious
Source: Hamlet
Example: They were served by obsequious waiters.
Definition: Attentive in an ingratiating or servile manner.
10. Retrograde
Source: Hamlet
Example: Venus has a retrograde direction.
Definition: Moving or directed or tending in a backward direction or contrary to a previous direction.
11. Jocund
Source: Hamlet
Example: The wedding reception was jocund.
Definition: Full of or showing high-spirited merriment.
12. Discourse
Source: Hamlet
Example: The linguist was well versed in the art of discourse writing.
Definition: Extended verbal expression in speech or writing.
13. Truant
Source: Hamlet
Example: Most of the grade 12s at Bellerose were truant on June 5 for “Grad Skip Day”.
Definition: Absent without permission.
14. Countenance
Source: Hamlet
Example: His impenetrable eyes and inscrutable countenance gave little away.
Definition: The appearance conveyed by a person’s face.
15. Tenable
Source: Hamlet
Example: Such a simplistic approach is no longer tenable.
Definition: Based on sound reasoning or evidence.
16. Besmirch
Source: Hamlet
Example: He ha besmirched the good name of his family.
Definition: Smear so as to make dirty or stained.
17. Prodigal
Source: Hamlet
Example: Prodigal habits die hard/
Definition: Recklessly wasteful.
18. Libertine
Source: Hamlet
Example: One hoping to retain a good reputation should not associate with the libertines of the royal court.
Definition: A dissolute person; usually a man who is morally unrestrained.
19. Unlfledged
Source: Hamlet
Example: That was the kind of decision that an unfledged youth would be expected to make.
Definition: Young and inexperienced.
20. Censure
Source: Hamlet
Example: Any delegates offered a resolution of censure against the offenders.
Definition: Harsh criticism or disapproval.
21. Husbandry
Source: Hamlet
Example: The tradition of vineyard husbandy goes back several generations.
Definition: The practice of cultivating the land or raising stock.
22. Parley
Source: Hamlet
Example: Can we meet for an informal parley to see if we can effect a compromise?
Definition: A negotiation between enemies.
23. Beguile
Source: Hamlet
Example: Every prominent American artist has been beguiled by Maine.
Definition: Attract; cause to be enamored.
24. Traduce
Source: Hamlet
Example: He was traduced by the press.
Definition: Speak unfavorably
