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What does Shakespeare mean by the word

Shakespeare often used words in ways that differed from their modern meanings, and some of his words have entirely different meanings today. Here are a few examples:

1. Augment: Shakespeare used augment to mean "to increase or enlarge" rather than its modern meaning of "to make larger or more numerous." For example, in Antony and Cleopatra, Antony says, "His captain's heart, which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst the buckles on his breast, reneges all temper, and is become the bellows and the fan to cool a gypsy's lust. Flourish. Enter Antony and Cleopatra: their trains borne by the triumvirs. The immediate jewel of their eyes," which means that Cleopatra's beauty has increased Antony's desire.

2. Laud: Shakespeare used laud to mean "to praise" or "to extol" rather than its modern meaning of "to acclaim or extol with exaggerated or insincere praise." For example, in As You Like It, Rosalind says, "I could lie and say thou didst, but if I saw thee follow him thou might'st follow him still thou wert i' the forest, and never see him again. But I could not be such an idiot, nor I could not be so malicious, though I had the wit to do it, which is more than can be said of thou," which means that she is not interested in praising him for being intelligent.

3. Minion: Shakespeare used minion to refer to a favorite or a darling, often used in a derogatory way, whereas today it mostly refers to a young and inexperienced person. For example, in Henry VI, Part 2, York says, "As for Warwick and Buckingham and our two royal nephews of Bedford and Gloucester, their heads shall be a pageant to the world, that they, who brought me in disgrace and set the crown of England on thy brow, shall be the executioners of thy fall," which means that York is considering them as his favorites.

4. Occupation: Shakespeare used occupation to mean "business" or "activity" rather than its modern meaning of "the state of being employed." For example, in Othello, Desdemona says, "Why do you speak so startingly and rash? Nay, we must think men are not gods, nor of them look for such observation as fits the bridal. Hush, hush! For shame! 'Twere good you for the chamber prepare. Go, you are well tun'd now; but I'll deserve my mirth and your device," which suggests that Desdemona needs time to prepare for the bridal night.

5. Prevent: Shakespeare used prevent to mean "to come before" or "to anticipate" rather than its modern meaning of "to stop something from happening." For example, in Hamlet, Gertrude says, "I will bestow him and will answer well the death I gave him. So again, good friends; for now the wind begins to rise and we have not one port left; our bark is splitting; and we, having lost our noble compass, have to sail by candlenight. Dost thou hear?" which means that Gertrude wants to be prepared and take care of Hamlet before it's too late.

These are just a few examples of words Shakespeare used differently from us today. It's important to consider the historical context and usage when interpreting his work to understand the intended meaning.

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