ACT III - Scene VI — Vocabulary

Vocabulary Words from ACT III - Scene VI

Borne (verb (past participle))

Managed or conducted; carried out. In Lennox’s ironic usage, it means Macbeth has handled his affairs skillfully—though the true meaning is that his crimes have been poorly concealed.

Thralls (noun)

Slaves or servants; people in bondage. Here it describes Duncan’s grooms as enslaved by sleep, making them easy scapegoats.

Pious (adjective)

Devoutly religious; showing reverence for God. Used ironically of Macbeth’s “pious rage” and sincerely of King Edward’s character.

Broad words (noun phrase)

Frank or outspoken speech; words spoken too freely. Macduff’s open criticism of Macbeth led to his disgrace.

Bestows (verb)

Places or lodges oneself; takes up residence. Lennox asks where Macduff is staying.

Malevolence (noun)

The quality of being hostile or harmful; ill will. Fortune’s malevolence refers to the bad luck Malcolm has suffered.

Exasperate (adjective)

Angered or provoked to fury. An archaic adjective form (modern English uses “exasperated”). Describes Macbeth’s rage at Macduff’s defiance.

Ratify (verb)

To formally confirm or approve; to give official sanction. Here it means divine approval of the military campaign against Macbeth.

Cloudy (adjective)

Gloomy, sullen, or angry in expression. Describes the displeased messenger who delivered Macduff’s refusal to Macbeth.

Clogs (verb)

Burdens or encumbers; weighs down. The messenger resents being burdened with Macduff’s defiant answer.