We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
History

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

How Did William Shakespeare Shape the English Language?

Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 881
References
Share

William Shakespeare has been called the greatest poet and playwright of all time. As the third most translated author in history, his influence stretches far and wide. Having used more than 20,000 words in his plays and poems, William Shakespeare is credited with inventing or introducing over 1,700 words that are still utilized in the English language today.

During Shakespeare's time (the late 16th and early 17th centuries), the rules and grammar of the English language were not standardized. This gave him freedom to experiment with words and phrases. While the exact number of words that he invented is debated among scholars, it cannot be denied that William Shakespeare helped develop the style and structure of the English language.

As with anything new, there are some things that stick around and some that don’t. The same holds true for the words and phrases used in language. Some of William Shakespeare’s original terms that are still used in conversation today include “a sorry sight,” “seen better days,” and “strange bedfellows.” He is also credited with inventing words such as “gossip,” “kissing,” “lonely,” “obscene,” “worthless,” “arch-villain,” “cold-blooded,” “foul-mouthed,” “vulnerable,” and “revolting.”

Shakespeare's linguistic legacy:

  • William Shakespeare is often referred to as the “Bard of Avon” or “The Bard.” A bard is a professional storyteller.

  • Guinness World Records places William Shakespeare in the top spot as the world’s best-selling playwright. An excess of over four billion copies of his works have been sold since his death in 1616.

  • Shakespeare is also credited with coining the words “batty,” “bloodsucking,” “hostile,” “howl,” “ill-tempered,” “mortifying,” “quarrelsome,” and “shudder," among many others.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Link to Sources
Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.com/how-did-william-shakespeare-shape-the-english-language.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.