Shakespeare's works contributed to the standardization of the English languages rules and grammar in the 17th and 18th centuries. Words and phrases coined by Shakespeare were embedded in English and was included in A Dictionary of the English language by Samuel Johnson. Many of the words Shakespeare used was a great contribution to the English language, as it expanded and enriched the vocabulary, and made the language as a whole more expressive. Shakespeare is credited with about 1,700 words, created from borrowing words from other languages and altering it to his desire. He added suffixes and prefixes, changed verbs into adjectives and nouns and vice versa. Many of his invented words and phrases are still in use today, and truly show the great extent of Shakespeare’s influence.
Here are some words that Shakespeare has been credited for:
Gloomy: This word was a former verb which Shakespeare turned into an adjective. This was used in Titus Andronicus.
Majestic: This word stems from the word "majesty" and was first used in The Tempest
Lonely: In the 1400's, the word "alone" was shortened to "lone" Using this, Shakespeare created the term "lonely", which he used in Coriolanus
Radiance: Used in King Lear, this word originates from the Latin word "radiantem"
Generous: This word comes from the Latin word "generosus" meaning "noble birth" and was first used in Hamlet
Courtship: The term "to court" was used in the 1570's meaning to "woo someone". From this, Shakespeare created the word "courtship", as used in The Merchant of Venice
Rant: This word comes from the Dutch word "randten" meaning to talk foolishly. This was used in Hamlet.
Furthermore, Shakespeare is responsible for our use of the "un" prefix. This prefix was first used in Macbeth, in which Lady Macbeth asks the gods to "unsex" her and remove all her feminine qualities. Today, we follow the same word pattern, as can be see on words such as unrealistic, uncool, unnecessary, and many more.
In addition to words, Shakespeare also coined many terms and phrases. People today often quote him without realizing. Some examples are:
"Too much of a good thing" - As You Like It, Act 1 Scene 1
"We have seen better days" - As You Like It, Act 2 Scene 7
"The clothes make the man" - Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 5
"Own flesh and blood" - Hamlet, Act 1 Scene 5
"Its Greek to me" - Julius Caesar, Act 1 Scene 2
"The be-all and the end-all" - Macbeth, Act 1 Scene 7
"Jealousy is the green eyed monster" - Othello, Act 3 Scene 7
"What's done is done" - Macbeth, Act 3 Scene 2
"Wear my heart upon my sleeve" - Othello, Act 1 Scene 1
"The world is my oyster" - The Merry Wives of Windsor, Act 2 Scene 2
"Break the ice" - Taming of the Shrew, Act 1 Scene 2
Shakespeare's utilization and alteration of other languages has affected the way we communicate with one another. His invented expressions and words have caused the English language to grow and allows us to be more eloquent. Thanks to Shakespeare, the language we use today is expressive and colorful, allowing humanity to communicate with each other with ease and proficiency.
It should be noted that some of the words that are claimed to be invented by Shakespeare weren't actually created by him, however, early citations of the Oxford dictionary have given him credit as many of his works were the first recorded use of many words.