Shakespeare Words

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Instructions: Words and phrases coined by Shakespeare

1.
Which common English word meaning 'murder by a hired killer' was coined by Shakespeare?
A
Manslaughter
B
Assassination
C
Execution
D
Homicide
2.
Shakespeare invented the phrase 'break the ice.' In which play does it first appear?
A
The Taming of the Shrew
B
Hamlet
C
A Midsummer Night's Dream
D
Romeo and Juliet
3.
Which word meaning 'supremely beautiful or wonderful' is attributed to Shakespeare?
A
Magnificent
B
Splendid
C
Gorgeous
D
Sublime
4.
The phrase 'wild goose chase' was first used by Shakespeare in which play?
A
Macbeth
B
Othello
C
Romeo and Juliet
D
King Lear
5.
Which word meaning 'to consciously choose not to appear or attend' was coined by Shakespeare?
A
Disappear
B
Eclipse
C
Absent
D
Vanish
6.
Shakespeare is credited with first using the word 'lonely.' What does it mean?
A
Sad because of having no companions
B
Being in a crowd
C
Living in the countryside
D
Traveling alone
7.
Which common phrase meaning 'disappeared without explanation' comes from Shakespeare's The Tempest?
A
Vanished into thin air
B
Gone with the wind
C
Out of sight
D
Lost at sea
8.
Which word meaning 'of poor quality or little value' was first recorded in Shakespeare's works?
A
Inferior
B
Cheap
C
Worthless
D
Lackluster
9.
The phrase 'heart of gold' first appeared in which Shakespeare play?
A
The Merchant of Venice
B
Much Ado About Nothing
C
Twelfth Night
D
Henry V
10.
Which word meaning 'causing shock or horror' is attributed to Shakespeare?
A
Gloomy
B
Terrifying
C
Eyeball
D
Frightening
11.
Shakespeare coined the phrase 'green-eyed monster.' What does it refer to?
A
Envy of nature
B
Jealousy
C
Fear
D
Greed
12.
Which everyday word meaning 'the act of being a friend' was first used by Shakespeare?
A
Friendship
B
Companionship
C
Partnership
D
Fellowship
13.
The word 'bedroom' first appeared in which Shakespeare play?
A
Hamlet
B
Othello
C
The Merry Wives of Windsor
D
A Midsummer Night's Dream
14.
Which phrase meaning 'neither here nor there' (unimportant) was coined by Shakespeare in Othello?
A
All that glitters is not gold
B
Love is blind
C
A sorry sight
D
Neither here nor there
15.
Which word meaning 'grand or important event' was first recorded in Shakespeare's works?
A
Pageantry
B
Ceremony
C
Spectacle
D
Eventful

Answer Key

Question 1

B. Assassination

Question 2

A. The Taming of the Shrew

Question 3

C. Gorgeous

Question 4

C. Romeo and Juliet

Question 5

D. Vanish

Question 6

A. Sad because of having no companions

Question 7

A. Vanished into thin air

Question 8

D. Lackluster

Question 9

D. Henry V

Question 10

C. Eyeball

Question 11

B. Jealousy

Question 12

A. Friendship

Question 13

D. A Midsummer Night's Dream

Question 14

D. Neither here nor there

Question 15

D. Eventful

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