Shakespeare words: O

o diable, diable! interjection

A French exclamation calling out to the devil—used as a curse or oath of frustration, anger, or amazement. Characters use it to add continental flavor or to mark themselves as worldly or emotionally heightened.

o dieu vivant! interjection

A French exclamation calling out to the living God. Used to express shock, dismay, or urgent appeal.

A character swears by the living God when something terrible happens.

o' preposition

A shortened form of "of" or "on" that Shakespeare uses all the time. You'll see it in phrases like "o' the clock" (of the clock) or "man o' war" (man of war).

"A man o' the world" means a man of the world — someone experienced and worldly.

o'bservant noun

A servant or follower who is eager to please and obey. Someone who watches carefully for any chance to be useful.

The king's o'bservant waited by the door, ready to fetch whatever he might need.

o'clock noun

A shortened form of "of the clock," used to tell time. You'd say "three o'clock" to mean three hours struck by the clock.

The bell tolls three o'clock, and still he has not arrived.

o'er preposition

over; across

How happy some people can be, while others are not!

o'er-eaten adjective

Worn away or damaged by being consumed bit by bit. Used figuratively to describe something hollow or ruined—like faith that's been nibbled at until nothing solid remains.

o'er-eye verb

To watch someone or something carefully and closely. To keep a vigilant eye on.

The captain o'er-eyed the crew as they loaded the ship.

o'er-flourish'd adjective

Covered with ornate carved details or decorative flourishes. The word describes something so heavily decorated it's almost overloaded with fancy work.

A trunk o'er-flourish'd with carved vines and scrollwork.

o'er-office verb

To use your official position to boss someone around or take unfair advantage. The person throws their power in your face.

A corrupt official who o'er-offices the townspeople, milking them for bribes.

o'er-reach verb

To catch up to someone or something by moving faster or farther. Can mean to go past them entirely.

The faster horse will o'er-reach the one ahead.

o'er-run verb

To flow over or flood something. Also means to overwhelm or overpower, as if flooding someone with force or cunning.

I will o'er-run thee with policy — I'll drown you in my schemes.

o'er-wrested adjective

Twisted or bent too far out of shape. Pushed past its limit until it breaks or warps.

An o'er-wrested argument that snaps under its own weight.

o'erbeat verb

To sweep over and crush something with force, the way a flood drowns the land. To overwhelm completely.

A storm that beats down everything in its path.

o'erblow verb

To blow away or scatter something by wind. In Shakespeare, often used of something passing quickly or being dispersed.

o'ercloyed adjective

Completely stuffed or overfed. The feeling of having had so much of something—food, pleasure, anything—that you've gone past satisfaction into excess.

After weeks of feasting, the court was o'ercloyed and craved simpler fare.

o'ercome verb

To spread over or cover completely. Something that floods or swamps a place or person.

Weeds o'ercome the garden when no one tends it.

o'ercount verb

To be more numerous than someone else. To outnumber.

The king's army would o'ercount the rebels by thousands.

o'ercrow verb

To overpower or crush someone completely. To dominate so thoroughly they can't resist.

The invading army will o'ercrow the city's weak defenses.

o'erdyed adjective

Dyed over a second time, usually to hide the original colour or cover imperfections. Shakespeare uses it to mean something deceptive or artificially covered up.

A black cloth dyed again to look fresh, but the dye doesn't hold—like a lie painted over.

o'erflow verb

To spill over or gush out. The word condenses "over" and "flow" into a single urgent action — liquid (or emotion, or speech) bursting its bounds.

Tears o'erflow her cheeks as she learns the terrible news.

o'ergreen verb

To cover up something bad or wrong by making it look nice on the surface. It's a deceptive kind of prettying-up — hiding rot under fresh paint.

A smooth lie can o'ergreen a selfish heart.

o'ergrown adjective

Overgrown or covered thickly—usually with hair or vegetation. Can also mean unusually large or bloated.

A man so o'ergrown with beard he looked half wild.

o'erleap verb

To jump over something, or to skip past it. Can mean literally jumping across a gap, or figuratively leaving something out or ignoring it.

A step I must jump over.

o'erlook verb

To look over or examine something closely. Can also mean to cast an evil eye on someone, or to bewitch them.

I wish I had looked over that letter before sending it.

o'ermaster verb

To have someone completely in your power or control. To master or overcome someone entirely.

His anger could o'ermaster his better judgment.

o'erparted adjective

Given a role or task that's beyond your skill or ability. An actor cast in a part too hard to pull off.

He felt o'erparted when asked to lead the whole company.

o'erpeer verb

To rise above or tower over something. To look down on from a greater height or position of dominance.

The castle's walls o'erpeered the surrounding villages.

o'erperch verb

To fly over or above something. A bird soars past a perch rather than landing on it.

The hawk will o'erperch the tower and head for open sky.

o'erpicture verb

To be more beautiful or striking than a painted picture. To outshine even the finest artwork.

Her beauty could o'erpicture any portrait ever made.

o'erpost verb

To travel or move past something quickly. Often used for riding fast on horseback or rushing through a place.

The messenger o'erposted the hills to reach the castle by dawn.

o'erprize verb

To go beyond or surpass something in value or quality. To be worth more than.

Her beauty o'erprized all that came before.

o'ershoot verb

To go past your target or overshoot the mark—to miss by going too far. Often means overstepping a limit or doing too much.

In your anger, you o'ershooted what was needed and made things worse.

o'ershot verb

Went past the mark or target. You overshoot when you aim or move too far and miss what you were aiming for.

The arrow o'ershot the deer and flew into the forest.

o'ersized verb

To coat or cover something thickly, as if with sizing (a stiff glue used on fabric). Shakespeare uses it to describe surfaces coated with blood or other matter.

A doublet o'ersized with gore—caked with blood from the fight.

o'erskip verb

To ignore or brush past something without paying attention to it. To leap over a thing as if it doesn't matter.

He would o'erskip the warning and walk straight into danger.

o'erslip verb

To slip past or let something pass by without noticing. You glide over it without catching it.

Don't o'erslip this chance—it won't come twice.

o'erstare verb

To stare someone down. To hold their gaze so intensely they have to look away first.

He tried to o'erstare his rival, but flinched when the man wouldn't break eye contact.

o'erstink verb

To smell worse than something else. The prefix o'er- (over) intensifies the verb stink into a comparison.

Even the sewer o'erstinks the rotting fish left in the sun.

o'erstraw'd verb

Scattered or spread thickly across a surface. In Shakespeare's time, floors were often covered with rushes or straw for warmth and cleanliness.

The hall was o'erstraw'd with fresh rushes for the feast.

o'ersway verb

To hold power over someone or something; to dominate or rule. Can also mean to win out over, or to sway someone's mind through authority.

The king's will o'ersways all other voices in the court.

o'erteemed adjective

Worn out from bearing too many children. A woman's body depleted by constant pregnancy and childbirth.

A poor woman with many pregnancies had o'erteemed loins.

o'ertook verb

To get drunk or be overcome by alcohol. Shakespeare uses it to describe someone who has had too much to drink.

The guard was o'ertook with wine and fell asleep at his post.

o'ertrip verb

To stumble or trip. The prefix o'er (over) intensifies the sense of falling or losing your footing.

He o'ertripped on the stairs in his haste to escape.

o'ervalue verb

To be worth more than something else. To exceed in value.

No jewel could o'ervalue her kindness.

o'erwatched adjective

Exhausted from staying awake too long or watching too carefully. The kind of tired that comes from strain and vigilance rather than simple lack of sleep.

An o'erwatched guard might miss the very danger he's trying to spot.

o'erween verb

To think too highly of yourself or overestimate your own abilities. It's arrogance dressed up as confidence.

A hot dog who o'erweens himself will pick a fight he can't win.

o'erwhelm verb

To hang over and cover something, the way a heavy brow can shade the eyes. Used mostly in poetry to describe how one thing obscures another.

His scowling brow o'erwhelms his eyes, casting them in shadow.

o'erworn adjective

Worn down by time or use; shabby and faded. Can also mean exhausted or depleted.

oak noun

The wood of an oak tree, prized for its strength and hardness. Often used in imagery of something solid and enduring.

oar verb

To row a boat using oars. You pull the oars through the water to make the boat move.

The ferryman oared us across the river.

oath noun

A solemn promise or vow, often sworn before God or invoking divine punishment for breaking it.

Oh, understand, sweet, my innocence! Love understands in the language of love. I mean, my heart is bound to yours So that we can make just one heart of it; Two chests locked together by an oath; So two chests and a single promise. So don't deny me a bed by your side; For lying here, Hermia, I am not lying.

oathable adjective

Worthy of being sworn upon. Someone oathable has the kind of character or standing that makes them trustworthy enough to swear by.

ob. noun

A halfpenny—the smallest coin in circulation during Shakespeare's time. Used as shorthand in accounts and inventories.

Not worth an ob to the poorest beggar.

obdu'rate adjective

Stubborn and refusing to change, no matter what. Someone obdurate won't listen to reason or soften their position.

His obdurate refusal to forgive made peace between them impossible.

obedient adjective

Ready and willing to follow orders or rules. Moving or acting under someone's command or control.

obey verb

To follow orders or respond to a command. In Shakespeare, it often means to move or act in response to something—like a physical object obeying a force, or a person obeying a call.

The ship's sails obey the wind.

obidicut noun

A demon name that Shakespeare borrowed from a book about fake exorcisms. The character King Lear uses it when he's mad, ranting about spirits.

object noun

A person or thing that stirs emotion — love, pity, desire, disgust. Something you can see or perceive; what presents itself to your eye or mind.

Her beauty was the object of his affection.

objection noun

A charge or accusation against someone. When Shakespeare's characters raise an objection, they're making a claim that someone has done something wrong.

I dare your worst objection — bring it on.

obligation noun

A legal bond or contract that binds someone to do something or pay money. Shakespeare often uses it to mean a formal agreement or debt.

He made obligations to pay back the loan by harvest time.

obliged adjective

Bound by a promise or oath. You've given your word and you can't take it back.

His obliged faith meant he would keep the secret no matter what.

oblique adjective

Indirect, slanted, or not straightforward. When something is oblique, it doesn't go straight at you—it comes at an angle, hiding its true aim.

A oblique comment might seem innocent but carries a hidden insult.

oblivious adjective

Something that makes you forget or wipes memory away. In Shakespeare's time, it's often something magical or drug-like—a potion or power that erases what you know.

The magic drink was oblivious, and he forgot his own name by morning.

obloquy noun

Harsh criticism or public shame. When someone's actions bring obloquy on themselves, they've earned a bad reputation.

He became the author of their obloquy—everyone blamed him for the scandal.

obscene adjective

Disgusting or repulsive. Something that offends the senses or sense of decency so strongly it's hard to look at or stomach.

obscenely adverb

In a way that's offensive or indecent. Also used to mean extremely or shockingly—often in a tone of disgust or excess.

He spent obscenely on jewels while his people starved.

obscure adjective

Dark, dim, or hidden from view. Also: lowly, humble, or undistinguished in rank or status.

An obscure grave in a forgotten corner of the churchyard.

obscurely adverb

In darkness or shadow; in a way that's hidden from view or kept secret. Not openly or clearly seen.

The lovers met obscurely in the garden at night.

obsequies noun

A funeral ceremony or the ritual acts performed to honor someone who has died. In Shakespeare's time, this included prayers, processions, and burial rites.

The king ordered grand obsequies for the fallen general.

obsequious adjective

Excessively eager to please or obey. Often used for someone who shows elaborate respect, especially toward the dead through ritual and mourning.

He was so obsequious at the funeral that his grief seemed performed rather than felt.

observance noun

Respectful attention or dutiful service to someone. It can also mean careful notice or watchfulness—the act of paying close attention to something.

He showed great observance of the king's wishes.

observancy noun

Careful attention to what someone says or does, or close watching in general. In Shakespeare's time, it often meant noticing subtle signs or reading someone's mood.

Her observancy of his fidgeting told her he was lying.

observation noun

Close attention to something; what you learn by watching and noticing. In Shakespeare, it often means careful respect for ritual or custom, or the knowledge that comes from keen experience.

His brain was crammed with strange observation from years of travel.

observe verb

To show respect and attention to someone, often by indulging their wishes or treating them as important. In Shakespeare, it can mean to court someone or flatter them.

The queen observed the visiting ambassador with careful courtesy.

observing adjective

Eager to please or obey. Someone who is observing goes out of their way to follow rules or show respect.

An observing servant bows low and speaks only when spoken to.

obstruct verb

To block or get in the way of something. In Shakespeare's time, it could also mean to be an obstacle or barrier itself.

obstruction noun

A blockage that stops something vital from flowing or working—especially blood in the body, or light being blocked out. In Shakespeare's time, doctors believed many illnesses came from the blood getting stuck or stagnant.

To lie in cold obstruction and to rot—death itself as the body shutting down.

occasion noun

A chance or opening to do something, or the reason something happens. Shakespeare uses it to mean both opportunity and cause—often the circumstances that create a need or trigger an action.

He looked for every occasion to prove his worth in battle.

occupation noun

A trade, craft, or line of work. In Shakespeare's time, it often meant skilled manual labor—the kind of work that gave ordinary people a voice in civic matters.

A blacksmith's occupation was respected; he had a trade.

occupy verb

To have sex with someone. The word became so crude and offensive that writers largely avoided it for the next 200 years.

occurrent noun

Something that happens; an event or incident. Often something unexpected or notable enough to remark on.

The storm was a startling occurrent that caught everyone off guard.

od interjection

A chopped-up version of 'God' used in swearing. Shakespeare and his contemporaries would splice it with random words—heartlings, nouns, pity—to create oaths that danced around actually saying God's name. It was a way to swear without technically blaspheming.

odd adjective

Not matching or fitting with something else; out of place or irregular. Can mean extra or left over, or something unusual and striking.

He collects odd ends of fabric—the scraps nobody wants.

odd-conceited adjective

Strangely or unusually made up. Something that came together in an odd, unexpected way.

An odd-conceited hat, stitched from mismatched scraps of silk and felt.

odd-even noun

The time around midnight, or the dead of night. Shakespeare uses it to mark an eerie or supernatural moment.

The ghost appears at odd-even, when the world sleeps.

oddly adverb

In an uneven or lopsided way. One side outweighs the other, or something falls unevenly.

The scales tipped oddly—one pan much heavier than the rest.

odds noun

The balance of advantage or superiority in a situation—who has the upper hand, and by how much. Also: the chances or likelihood of something happening, or a quarrel or disagreement between people.

When she sided with him, the odds shifted in their favour.

of preposition

A word Shakespeare uses where we'd say "off," "from," "by," or "with." It can mean separation (tear the skin *of* your forehead = tear *off* your forehead), origin (a madness *of* which her life's in danger = a madness *from* which), or the doer of an action in a passive sentence (disdained *of* all = disdained *by* all). Context tells you which.

"A madness, of which her life's in danger" — a madness from which her life is in danger.

off adverb / preposition

Away from or away. In phrases like "be off," it means to leave or depart. Can also mean beside the point or missing the mark—off-topic.

offcap verb

To take off your hat or cap, usually as a sign of respect or greeting. A gesture of deference or courtesy.

He offcapped when the king entered the room.

offence noun

A wrong action or transgression—something someone did that caused hurt or harm. It can mean the act itself, or the damage that resulted. Sometimes it means falling out of favor or being disgraced.

To do offence is to hurt someone; to take offence is to feel that hurt.

offenceful adjective

Full of sin or wrongdoing. Something that offends against morality or God's law.

offenceless adjective

Harmless; causing no injury or wrong. Not guilty of any fault.

An offenceless remark, meant only in jest.

offend verb

To commit a wrong against someone or something—to break a law, hurt a person, or damage their reputation. Can also mean to get in the way or block something from working properly.

He hath offended the law by stealing from the king's treasury.

offender noun

Someone who has hurt, wronged, or harmed another person. In Shakespeare's time, the word could refer to anyone from a petty thief to a traitor.

The king demanded that the offender be brought before him for judgment.

offending noun

A breach or violation—stepping outside what's allowed or expected. In Shakespeare's time, it could mean anything from a minor wrong to a serious crime.

The king forgave the offending and welcomed the nobleman back to court.

offer verb

To attack or make a move against someone. Also: to dare or presume to do something, often when you shouldn't.

He offers to command soldiers far braver than himself.

offic'd adjective

Given a specific role or duty. Someone who has been assigned an office or job to do.

office noun

A duty or service you're meant to perform. Also: the people who hold official power, or the practical workings of a household (like the kitchen). Shakespeare uses it for anything that does its job — the heart doing its office of beating, a friend doing the office of loyalty.

officer noun

Someone who does a particular job or carries out orders—whether a servant in a household, a herald, or someone with an official duty. The word covers anyone working in a formal role.

A palace officer announced the queen's arrival.

officious adjective

Too eager to help or interfere. Someone who pushes themselves into situations and busybodies their way through, offering unwanted service or meddling advice.

An officious servant keeps rearranging your things without being asked.

oft adverb

Often; many times. A shorthand word Shakespeare uses to mean something happens repeatedly or regularly.

oho interjection

An exclamation with shifting weight depending on tone. It can mock, express triumph, or cry out in pain—the speaker's voice tells you which.

old noun, adjective

As a noun: advanced age or the later years of life. As an adjective: marked by age, worn, or long-established; also used to mean abundant or considerable (as in 'old abuse' = much abuse).

His old course meant his long-standing habit; the old cramps were severe, long-lasting aches.

omen noun

A sign of something bad about to happen. In Shakespeare's time, people read omens in strange weather, animal behavior, or unusual events.

A comet crossing the sky—surely an omen of the king's death.

omit verb

To leave something out or pass over it deliberately. To neglect or ignore.

He omits his brother's name from the family record.

omittance noun

The act of leaving something out or failing to do it. In Shakespeare's time, this word carried the weight of deliberate neglect as much as simple absence.

His omittance of the letter sealed their misunderstanding.

omne bene interjection

A Latin phrase meaning everything is fine or going well. Shakespeare uses it as a casual reassurance or sign-off between characters.

When all the arrangements are made, one character tells another: omne bene—all is well.

omnipotent adjective

All-powerful, almighty. Shakespeare often uses this for comic effect, calling someone or something ridiculously all-powerful when they're clearly not.

A villain described as 'omnipotent' is one who thinks he can do anything—and usually fails spectacularly.

on preposition

In Shakespeare, 'on' does several jobs. It can mean 'of' or 'from' ("the stuff that dreams are made on"). It can also mean 'against' or 'upon' depending on context. You'll see it in phrases like "on's" (of his) and "on't" (of it).

"The stuff that dreams are made on" — what dreams are composed of.

on't pronoun (contraction)

of it; a shortened form of 'on it'

Her eye is troubled by it: I can see it now.

once adverb

At any time; ever. Shakespeare often uses it to mean "even once" or "at all"—as in, "if you could just do this one time." Sometimes it means "for once" (emphasizing an action that rarely happens) or "once and for all" (settling something completely).

"If you could apologize even once in your life, that would be something."

one-trunk-inheriting adjective

Owning so little that everything you have fits in a single trunk. A sharp way to describe someone poor or traveling light.

A one-trunk-inheriting servant with no prospects and nowhere to go.

oneyer noun

A person of importance or authority—likely a town official or magistrate. The exact meaning is lost to time, but Shakespeare uses it alongside other titles of civic rank.

onion-ey'd adjective

Tearful, with eyes watering like someone cutting onions. A playful way to describe being moved to tears.

The sad news left him onion-eyed, tears streaming down his face.

onset noun

The beginning or start of something. When something kicks off or gets going.

The onset of winter brought frost to the fields.

onyx noun

A semi-precious stone, usually black or dark, prized for jewelry and ornament. It's a type of quartz with bands or layers of colour.

open adjective

Public or visible to everyone. Also means frank and generous—someone with an open hand gives freely without holding back.

His guilt was open for all to see.

open et cetera noun

A medlar fruit. Shakespeare uses this as a joke—medlars were once called 'open-arse' because of their shape, and this is a playful, censored way of saying it.

open-ey'd adjective

Watchful and alert. Open-eyed means aware of what's happening around you, paying close attention.

An open-eyed conspiracy—one that nobody misses.

opener noun

Someone who reveals or discloses something hidden. In Shakespeare's time, often used for a person who speaks first or breaks silence about a secret.

operant adjective

Active and powerful; working with full force. Something operant is doing its job and doing it strongly.

thy most operant poison — a poison that truly works

operation noun

Power to produce an effect or do harm. The active force or working quality of something—what makes it dangerous or useful.

A poison has operation: it works on the body and kills.

opinion noun

Your reputation or how people judge you—for better or worse. Shakespeare uses it to mean everything from public gossip and blame to your own sense of self-worth, whether that's cocky arrogance or earned confidence.

He lost his good opinion when the scandal broke.

opportunity noun

Shakespeare sometimes uses this word when he means importunity — persistent pestering or urgency. It's a confusion we'd catch today, but it slipped past in his time and others' too.

oppose verb

To expose or lay open to view. Also: to resist or stand against something.

She opposed her beauty freely to the crowd's gaze.

opposed adjective

Standing against something or someone. Can mean opposite in position or nature, or actively hostile and in conflict.

The opposed armies faced each other across the field.

opposeless adjective

Impossible to resist or stop. Something so powerful that no one can stand against it.

The king's opposeless army swept across the kingdom.

opposing adjective

Facing or placed across from something else. In Shakespeare's time, it could also mean contrary or hostile.

opposite noun

An enemy or adversary. Someone you're in conflict or competition with.

The general faced his opposite across the battlefield.

opposition noun

A person or force set against you in combat or conflict. Also used for the act of fighting itself, or the general state of being at odds with someone.

The general faced strong opposition from the enemy's best warriors.

oppress verb

To push down or crush — physically or by weight of trouble. In Shakespeare, it often means to burden someone with hardship or worry, or to keep something from breaking free.

Grief oppressed his heart so heavily he could barely speak.

oppress'd adjective

Weighed down by something troubling. In Shakespeare, often means burdened by sorrow, worry, or hardship.

Eyes heavy with grief and exhaustion.

oppression noun

A heavy burden or weight—physical, emotional, or circumstantial—that presses down on you. In Shakespeare, it often means the weight of sorrow, trouble, or hardship.

The oppression of grief made it hard for her to speak.

oppugnancy noun

A clash or conflict between two things. When forces or ideas fight against each other.

The oppugnancy between his love and his duty tore him apart.

or conjunction

Before; also used in the phrase 'or ever' (meaning 'before ever'). Also introduces alternatives: 'either...or' when presenting options, or sometimes appears in pairs where no real choice is meant—just a way of adding emphasis or description.

Or ever I had seen that place, I knew its reputation.

orange-tawny adjective

A dull yellowish-brown color, like old rust or faded cloth. The kind of dingy tan you see on aging leather or weathered wood.

A man with an orange-tawny beard—not bright, just worn and yellowed.

orator noun

Someone who speaks on behalf of another person or idea. An advocate or spokesperson. In Shakespeare, often means anyone making a persuasive speech.

Beauty needs no orator—it convinces the eye all by itself.

orb noun

A sphere or globe—in Shakespeare's time, usually a heavenly body like the sun or moon, or the earth itself. The word draws on old astronomy, where planets and stars were thought to move in invisible spheres around the earth.

"The fiery orbs above" — the stars and planets in the sky.

orbed adjective

Round like a ball or sphere. Shakespeare often uses it for the sun or the earth—things that are naturally globe-shaped.

The orbed sun sank below the horizon.

ordain verb

To set up or establish something by decree or decision. To arrange or design something for a particular purpose.

The king ordained a festival to celebrate the victory.

order noun

A plan or set of steps to get something done. When someone says "take order," they mean to make arrangements or take action to handle a situation.

We'll take order to ensure the town runs smoothly.

orderly adverb

In the proper or expected way. According to the rules or the usual order of things.

The ceremony proceeded orderly, each guest welcomed in turn.

ordinance noun

A law or command handed down by authority—whether by God, a ruler, or custom. In Shakespeare's time, it could mean divine will, established practice, rank in society, or even military equipment like cannons.

ordinant adjective

In control; directing things. Shakespeare uses it to describe someone who's running the show or steering events.

ordinary noun

A cheap public meal served at a fixed price in a tavern or eating-house. Shakespeare uses it to mean a regular or common occurrence, like "the ordinary run of things."

He ate at the ordinary every night, same stew, same price.

ordinate adjective

Ordered, arranged, or governed by divine plan. The word points to a kind of cosmic order — the sense that what happens follows God's design, even when we can't see it.

organ noun

A part of the body that does a particular job—like your hands, eyes, or voice. Shakespeare also uses it to mean a tool or means of doing something, as if the body or mind were an instrument with different working parts.

"Hath not a Jew hands, organs, dimensions, senses, affections, passions?" — listing the physical and emotional equipment we all share.

organ-pipe noun

A voice or throat, especially when singing or speaking powerfully. Shakespeare uses it figuratively to mean the instrument of sound itself — your mouth and breath working together.

A character might praise another's organ-pipe to mean their beautiful or commanding voice.

orgillous adjective

Proud in a way that's arrogant or overbearing. It's an old-fashioned way to describe someone puffed up with their own importance.

An orgillous nobleman who believes no one deserves his company.

orient adjective

Lustrous and precious, like the finest pearls from the East. Shakespeare uses it for tears that shine with special brilliance or beauty.

an orient drop (a tear gleaming like a perfect pearl)

orifex noun

An opening or hole. Shakespeare's spelling of what we'd now call an orifice—an entrance, exit, or gap in something.

original adjective

First in time or order; the earliest version or source of something. Where something comes from.

The original manuscript shows what Shakespeare actually wrote before anyone else changed it.

orison noun

A prayer, usually spoken aloud. In Shakespeare's time, a formal or earnest plea to God.

She knelt to say her orisons before bed.

ornament noun

Clothing, gear, or equipment — anything you wear or carry. In Shakespeare's time, it often means the formal or fancy stuff that marks who you are.

A king's ornaments — crown, robes, jewels — show his power.

orphan adjective

Without a father. Shakespeare uses it to describe someone—or something—left fatherless, either by death or abandonment.

ort noun

A scrap or leftover of food. Shakespeare uses it figuratively too, to mean a worthless remainder or crumb of something precious — what's left when the best is gone.

A beggar picking up orts from a rich man's table.

orthography noun

A person who spells words correctly or studies spelling. Shakespeare's editors debated whether he meant this word or a different one, but the meaning is clear enough: someone concerned with how words are written.

osprey noun

A large hawk that hunts fish from the water. It dives fast and has sharp talons built for grabbing slippery prey.

The osprey circled above the river, watching for movement below the surface.

ostent noun

A display or show of something—especially a public one meant to impress. Shakespeare uses it for grand shows of power, emotion, or intention.

The general's show of military strength was mostly theatre.

ostentare verb

To display or show something openly, often with the aim of impressing or drawing attention to it.

ostentation noun

A showy or flashy display meant to impress people. Shakespeare often uses it as a criticism—he's calling out someone's need to draw attention to themselves.

All that gold embroidery is pure ostentation.

ostler noun

A stable worker who looks after horses at an inn. He feeds them, grooms them, and readies them for travelers.

The ostler brought fresh horses while we ate dinner at the tavern.

other adjective, pronoun

Different from something already mentioned or understood. Used to point out something separate, additional, or of a different kind.

othergates adverb

In a different way; otherwise. A regional word, especially in the Midlands and North, that Shakespeare's audience would have recognized.

others pronoun

additional people; the rest of a group

Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, DOLABELLA, THYREUS, with others

otherwhiles adverb

Now and then; occasionally. Used when something happens or is true some of the time, not all the time.

Otherwhiles he'd fall silent for hours, lost in thought.

ottomite noun

A person from the Ottoman Empire, or a Turk. Shakespeare's audience would have known Ottomans as a powerful Muslim empire that bordered Christian Europe.

ouch noun

A brooch or clasp, often ornate and jeweled. Shakespeare uses it loosely to mean any precious gem or piece of jewelry.

She wore brooches, pearls, and ouches—all the finery of a wealthy woman.

ought verb

Owed or was supposed to pay back. An old form of the word 'owe'—used mostly when someone had a debt or obligation to you.

oui; mettez-le au mon interjection

A French exclamation meaning "yes." Shakespeare uses it for comedy or to suggest a character is French, pretentious, or showing off.

A character might cry "Oui!" to seem worldly or to create a quick joke about French manners.

ounce noun

A wild cat with tufted ears and a spotted coat, found in forests and mountains. Shakespeare uses it as an image of grace and danger.

The ounce moves through the woods like silk and claws.

ouph noun

A mischievous sprite or goblin—a supernatural creature from folklore, usually small and playful. Shakespeare uses this to mean an elf or fairy.

ourselves pronoun

We or us; the reflexive form referring to the speaker and others as a group.

Our solutions often lie within ourselves, Which we blame on fate: the sky we're born under Gives us freedom, but sometimes holds us back When we're not focused.

ousel noun

A blackbird. Shakespeare sometimes uses it as a nickname for someone with dark hair or a dark complexion.

out adverb, preposition, interjection

As an adverb: away, abroad, or finished. "My money is out by lease" means it's in someone else's hands. "We are out" means we've quarreled. As a preposition: from within, outside of. As an interjection: a cry of disgust, anger, or horror—like shouting at someone to get away.

"Out, dog!" he cries, driving the creature from the room.

out of preposition

Made from; crafted or derived from something. When you make something out of a material or source, you're using that thing as your raw ingredient.

A sword made out of steel; a cake made out of flour and eggs.

out-herod verb

To be even more violent or tyrannical than someone already known for being cruel and over-the-top. Shakespeare borrowed this from old religious plays, where Herod was the loud, bullying villain—so to out-herod him means to outdo even that.

His rage was so extreme, he could out-herod the worst tyrant in memory.

outbrag verb

To surpass someone in beauty or impressive appearance. To be more striking or handsome than.

Her radiance would outbrag the finest jewels in the kingdom.

outbrave verb

To surpass someone in courage or boldness. Can also mean to outshine in beauty or appearance—to be more striking or splendid.

outbreath'd adjective

Out of breath; exhausted from exertion. The word captures that moment when you've run hard and can barely speak.

After chasing the thief through the market, the guard arrived outbreath'd at the city gate.

outburn verb

To burn completely until nothing is left. The fire consumes something entirely.

The candle will outburn the night and leave only wax behind.

outcrafty verb

To be more cunning or clever than someone else. To outmaneuver through wit or deception.

He tried to outcrafty his rival, but she saw through his scheme.

outdare verb

To be bolder or more daring than someone else. Or: to face down and defy someone through sheer nerve.

He outdared his rival by walking straight into danger.

outdwell verb

To stay somewhere longer than you should or longer than someone else. To outstay.

He outdwelt his welcome at court.

outface verb

To stare someone down and make them uncomfortable or ashamed. It can also mean to defy or resist something boldly, or to brazenly cover up a fault and pretend it's not there.

He tried to outface her anger, but his voice shook.

outfacing verb

To intimidate or bully someone with bold, aggressive behavior. Acting tough and overbearing to push your way through.

A soldier outfacing the townspeople to demand food and shelter.

outjest verb

To mock or laugh away something serious—to deflate it with jokes and wit. A fool might outjest a difficult truth, trying to turn it into comedy so no one has to face it.

outlaw verb

To banish someone from the kingdom or declare them no longer protected by law. In Shakespeare's time, this was a serious punishment that made a person legally defenseless.

The king threatened to outlaw anyone who sided with the rebellion.

outlive verb

To stay alive longer than someone else, or to survive past a certain time or event. In Shakespeare, characters often worry about outliving their children or their reputation.

A parent fears that sorrow will outlive their own years.

outlook verb

To stare at someone or something directly, often with boldness or challenge. In Shakespeare's time, a steady look could be a sign of courage—or rudeness.

He tried to outlook his rival, unwilling to be the first to look away.

outnight verb

To talk or boast more extravagantly than someone else. A theatrical way of saying you'll out-do them in some competitive claim or story.

outpeer verb

To be better or more impressive than someone else. To outdo or exceed in some quality or achievement.

Her courage seemed to outpeer that of the soldiers who stood beside her.

outprize verb

To be worth more than something else; to surpass in value or worth.

A diamond outprizes glass, no matter how it catches the light.

outrage noun

A violent fit of anger or rage. Loud, uncontrolled fury expressed in words or actions.

His outrage at the betrayal made him shout insults across the hall.

outsell verb

To be worth more than something else, or to surpass in value. Shakespeare uses it to mean one thing outweighs or exceeds another in importance or merit.

Her wit outsells her beauty in winning his heart.

outsleep verb

To sleep longer than intended or expected. To oversleep past a deadline or appointment.

He outsleep his alarm and missed the morning meeting.

outspeak verb

To describe something in a way that goes beyond what it actually is. To exaggerate or overstate the truth about someone or something.

No words can outspeak her courage—she's braver than any description of bravery.

outsport verb

To indulge or revel so hard you cross the line into excess. To let pleasure override good judgment.

Don't outsport your good sense at the party.

outstretch verb

To extend or reach as far as possible. To push something to its fullest length or degree.

He outstretched his arm to catch the falling torch.

outstrike verb

To strike faster or more forcefully than someone else. To outpace in violence or speed.

A faster method will strike harder than thought itself can move.

outwall noun

The outer wall or exterior surface of a building or fortification. The part you see from outside.

outward adjective, noun, adverb

What you see on the surface—appearance, clothes, manner. The opposite of what's really going on inside someone. Can also mean external or on the outside of something.

A kind outward smile might hide a cruel heart.

outwards adverb

On the outside; toward the exterior. To the world or to others—as opposed to what's hidden inside.

She had to smile outwards even though her heart was breaking.

outwork verb

To do better work than someone else. To surpass someone through skill or effort.

A master craftsman could outwork any apprentice in the shop.

outworth verb

To be worth more than something or someone else. To exceed in value or merit.

No amount of gold could outworth a loyal friend.

over-read verb

To read all the way through something; to finish reading a text from start to end.

over-red verb

To cover or mask something with red—literally to make red on top of something else. Shakespeare uses it to mean covering up fear or shame with a flushed, angry face.

Prick your face until it's red, and hide your fear under that blush of anger.

over-ride verb

To catch up with and pass someone on horseback. A rider moves faster and gets ahead.

The messenger will over-ride his rival to deliver the letter first.

overblown adjective

Finished or passed. Used mostly in a figurative way—like a storm that has blown itself out, or anger that has cooled.

Once my rage is overblown, I'll think more clearly.

overbulk verb

To be bigger, stronger, or more impressive than someone else. To overwhelm by sheer size or force.

His broad shoulders overbulk the doorway.

overbuy verb

To pay more for something than it's actually worth. You overpay and get the short end of the bargain.

overcome verb

To catch someone off guard or overwhelm them before they can defend themselves. In Shakespeare, often means to overpower or defeat someone suddenly.

The enemy's army overcame the town before dawn.

overeye verb

To watch or look at something carefully. To keep an eye on.

The guard stands at the gate to overeye all who enter.

overflow noun

More than enough of something; an excess or surplus. In Shakespeare's time, it often carries a sense of something spilling over or going to waste.

The harvest was so abundant it created an overflow of grain in the storehouse.

overglance verb

To look over something quickly or casually, letting your eye sweep across it without stopping.

overgo verb

To go beyond or exceed something. To overpower or crush someone under pressure or hardship.

Sorrow had overgo his strength, and he could bear no more.

overhear verb

To hear something a second time, or to hear it afresh. In Shakespeare's day, this often meant listening to a report or account of what someone else had already heard.

overhold verb

To think too highly of someone or something. You believe they're better or more important than they really are.

overleather noun

The outer layer of leather on a shoe or boot. It's the part you see and wear on the outside.

overlive verb

To live longer than someone else; to survive past another person's death.

She feared she would overlive her children and die alone.

overlook verb

To look down at something from above, or to survey and examine it carefully. In Shakespeare, often used for plants or trees that rise up and tower over what's below them.

Young shoots that overlook their parent stock, towering above it.

overlooking noun

Watching over something or someone with authority. Supervision or management from above.

The captain's overlooking of the crew kept the ship in order.

overlusty adjective

Too energetic or exuberant. Someone acting with more vigor and high spirits than the moment calls for.

His overlusty jokes fell flat at the funeral.

overpass verb

To spend time or let time go by. In Shakespeare's day, this verb meant to pass through or consume a period of time.

How shall we overpass this long winter night?

overpeer verb

To tower above or look down on something. Can mean literally rising higher than, or figuratively dominating or overlooking.

overplus noun

An amount left over; the extra beyond what's needed or expected. Often used in the phrase "in overplus" to mean excessively or more than enough.

overscutched adjective

Beaten too much; used as an insult for a woman, playing on the idea of a worn-out or debased person. The word puns on scutch (to beat flax or hemp) and switch (a rod or whip).

oversee verb

To watch over and manage something or someone; to supervise. In Shakespeare, it often carries the sense of overlooking or closing your eyes to something.

The steward will oversee the servants while you're away.

overshine verb

To shine brighter than something else, or to surpass in brilliance or excellence. Can mean literally to outshine with light, or figuratively to be better or more impressive.

Her talent will overshine all the other musicians in the room.

overshoot verb

To get away from someone or something. To slip out of, dodge, or leave behind.

The thief tried to overshoot his pursuers by running through the market.

overshot adjective

Missing the target or the point. Gone too far, or simply wrong.

His guess was overshot — he'd completely misunderstood what she meant.

overslip verb

To slip past someone without being noticed or caught. To escape attention or evade.

A lie can overslip the watchful eye if told with enough confidence.

oversway verb

To rule or control something with too much power. To dominate in a way that overwhelms or crushes opposition.

A tyrant who oversways the kingdom leaves no room for counsel or mercy.

overswear verb

To swear or take an oath a second time, or to swear again with emphasis. Often used when someone repeats a vow or solemn promise.

He overswears his love, insisting anew that he will never leave her.

overtake verb

To catch up with someone and match or equal what they've done. To do something as impressive or significant as someone else has done.

His courage has overtaken mine—he's now the braver of us two.

overthrow noun

A defeat or loss in battle or conflict. To suffer an overthrow means to be beaten; to give someone an overthrow means to beat them.

The general feared his army would meet overthrow if reinforcements didn't arrive.

overtopping verb

To go beyond or surpass someone. To leave them behind in speed, skill, or achievement.

overture noun

An opening move or proposal offered to someone—what you put forward first to see if they'll accept. Can also mean a revealing or disclosure of something hidden.

He made the overture of peace, hoping the enemy would listen.

overview noun

A close look at something to check its condition or understand what's going on. A careful inspection or survey.

The general took an overview of the troops before battle.

overweather'd adjective

Worn down and damaged by wind, rain, and exposure to the elements. Weathered and beaten by harsh conditions.

overween verb

To think too highly of yourself. To be arrogant or assume you're better than you actually are.

He overweens—imagining himself a great general when he's never won a battle.

overwhelming adjective

Hanging or looming over something. Threatening to topple or crush from above.

The overwhelming cliff face blocked out the sun.

overworn adjective

Used too often; no longer fresh or surprising. When something has been said or done so many times it's lost its effect.

That joke is overworn—nobody laughs anymore.

owd adjective

A northern English way of saying 'old.' Shakespeare uses it in a line from an old song, giving it a folk or rustic flavor.

owe verb

To have or possess something. In Shakespeare's time, this was the primary meaning—to own or hold. It gradually shifted toward our modern sense of 'being in debt,' but both meanings were live in his plays.

You claim a title you don't actually own.

own adjective

In control of yourself. Master of your own mind and actions. When Shakespeare says someone is "their own," he means they're not ruled by emotion, drink, or another person.

When no man was his own—meaning no one could keep their wits about them.

oxhead noun

A man whose wife is unfaithful. The insult plays on the horns that supposedly grew on a cuckold's head—here imagined as an ox's horns. It's one of the cruelest jokes in Shakespeare's world.

oxlip noun

A wildflower that looks like a cross between a cowslip and a primrose. It has pale yellow blossoms and grows in damp meadows.

The oxlip blooms in spring, dotting the forest floor with soft color.

oyes interjection

A court official's call for silence and attention before making an announcement. It comes from French and literally means "hear." You'd hear this at the start of legal proceedings.

"Oyes, oyes!" the bailiff cried before the judge entered the courtroom.