altruistic• Unselfish, concerned

with the welfare of others

Shakespeare's Banquo is the antithesis of Macbeth; he is truly altruistic.

repose• To rest; sleep,

relaxation

King Duncan chooses to repose at the home of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

remiss• Neglectful in

performance of one’s duty; carelessness

Could it be that King Duncan is remiss in his responsibility to discern Macbeth’s true character?

assent

• To express agreement

Macbeth and Banquo assent to discuss the visitation of the witches.

temerity

• Rashness, boldness

Is Lady Macbeth’s temerity attractive to

Macbeth?

virulent

• Extremely poisonous; full of malice; spiteful

Lady Macbeth words were as virulent as the venom of a viper!

benefactor

• One who does good to others

Will Banquo be the benefactor as the plot

progresses?

truculent

• Fierce and cruel; harsh, aggressive

The truculent Lady Macbeth would see King Duncan dead!

pungent

• Causing a sharp sensation; stinging; biting

The pungent thought of murdering the king frightened Macbeth.

dearth

• A lack, scarcity, inadequate supply

Lady Macbeth did not possess a dearth of ambition; on the contrary, her virulent ambition motivated her every thought and action.

plod

• To trudge, walk heavily

The wounded captain was seen plodding to King Duncan’s camp.

unfeigned

• Sincere, real, without pretense

Banquo’s .

chivalrous• Marked by honor,

fairness, courtesy, and courage

King Arthur’s Knights of the Round Table pledged to be chivalrous to all.

indomitable

• Unconquerable, refusing to yield

Although he was disabled, Jason’s athletic abilities matched his indomitable spirit.

discrepancy

• A difference; a lack of agreement

There was a discrepancy between the what was said and what the reporter printed!

National Enquirer

clemency

• Mercy, humaneness, mildness, moderateness

The judge showed clemency toward the first-time offender.

Suspended sentence!

facile• Easily done or

attained; superficial

Getting a hole in one is certainly not a facile achievement.

diffident

• Shy, lacking self-confidence

His posture alone exposed his diffident personality.

infallible

• Free from error; absolutely dependable

The swimming teacher’s technique was infallible. Her students were always excellent swimmers.

embark

• To go aboard, to make a start

This May the graduate will embark on an adventure in the Navy.