If one were to hold a poll among a bunch of people, regarding who the greatest writer in the English History then most probably the majority will come in unison that the man indeed is William Possibly the greatest writer of English history. Most of them would probably be familiar with his works, from the popular ones like Romeo and Juliet down to the most tragic works like Hamlet and Macbeth, which have been read or performed for centuries.

Shakespeare knew how to build a compelling character with a quote that “stuck” and made for a dramatic story. However, there is another side to Shakespeare’s talents: his influence on the English language. A common question asked by many people is: how many words did Shakespeare invent? The answer might surprise you.

Shakespeare and his impact on Language

Shakespeare lived during the late 1500s and early 1600s. At the time, the English language had not yet been completely established; it contained certain words that were being added, and existing words were being differently communicated. He wrote words but has also contributed to how we talk today. 

Another interesting aspect of Shakespeare was that he could play words to form endless combinations by twisting existing words to create new words or meanings. His vast vocabulary came in handy when he had to squeeze in some new creations he wanted for his plays. Some words he invented had not appeared at all during his time, while other people after him came to know the word from hearing it being used in his plays. So, how many words has Shakespeare invented? Scholars assign the number of words he has invented to a round figure of 1,700. Some became so popular and common, that we use them very frequently, and would not be aware of their origin. 

Invention of words by Shakespeare

One reason that Shakespeare is remembered even today is because of his long-lasting impact on language. He has been credited with the coinage of the first uses of many words-including some that have now become commonplace words in the vocabulary of English.

The following “eyeball,” “bedroom,” “lonely” were thought to have been invented by him. That means, although we use them in every inch of our lives, in English, there was no such word before Shakespeare put them into the English language. Shakespeare has given us words like “swagger,” which means a confident proud walk, or fashionable, which is used for something deemed up and trendy.

In addition, he created new meanings using existing words. The first mention of the term “addiction” can be attributed to Shakespeare in his play, “Othello.” Today, it describes a serious kind of dependence on something; however, that was not its meaning in Shakespeare’s time.

Why Is It Difficult To Know Exactly How Many Words Shakespeare Invented?

There are several reasons why it is difficult to give an exact number to the question how many words Shakespeare invented. First, Shakespeare didn’t always created words from scratch, he often took existing words and employed them in new ways. For example, he combined “newborn” or perhaps “overstep” together,  two distinct words into a new whole.

Another possible reason is that language changed so rapidly during and after the time of Shakespeare. So the way a person spoke back then was not like the way we hear it today, so some words are different because they were simply not written down. So such a word may have been first put down in some text by Shakespeare even though they were already common in speech. 

Finally, most of his works were performed live rather than read. So a lot of those rich words and phrases he concocted were spread by word of mouth through performances. Consequently, his impact on language extends beyond what can be directly traced in his writings, encompassing both public performances and the written word.  

Shakespeare And His Contributions To Phrases And Idioms

Shakespeare has not only invented many new words but also coined some phrases and idioms, which are now very common in English. Some of these are so familiar that one could use them without thinking about their source. For example, break the ice, Wild-goose Chase, and Heart of Gold have been taken from the works of Shakespeare.

These idioms are so commonly used by everybody but only a few know that these idioms initially came from Shakespeare’s works. These memorable phrases written by him have made him an important person in shaping a language that is now best expressive.

How Shakespeare creatively played with words

How many words did Shakespeare invent is such an interesting question to think about because he used them so creatively. He was not simply a writer; he was a maker of words, and meanings. He turned often with the experiments of words by using champion creations at the limits of language.

That reason made him bend grammar and invent words that nevertheless made sense to audiences. It gave innumerable notions in a single imagination by this flexibility. For instance, adding prefixes and suffixes to already existing words, merging with two words to create one new word. This liberty taken with the term would be the salvation in his writing career and has made a deep impact on the whole English language.

The Legacy of Shakespeare in Modern English

Shakespeare’s impact runs for sure into modern English, as the language has changed since his time, though many words and phrases coined by him are still very much in vogue. It’s remarkable to think that a person would hardly pass a single day without using a word or phrase invented by Shakespeare. So, Anyone asking how many words did Shakespeare invented,  The answer is his contribution to language is vast and unmatchable.

Many words invented by Shakespeare remain in the current world of literature, business, and even in the casualness of everyday conversation. Language evolves, but the phrases and words that he coined remain as one of the best-known faces in the English-speaking world. His great inventiveness with words has left our speaking and listening an enduring mark.

Conclusion 

The fact that a fascinating question such as how many words did Shakespeare invent can be asked to know about the great influence that Shakespeare had upon the English language. Whether coining wholly new words or extending the old ones by applying to them new meanings, Shakespeare greatly enriched the vocabulary and expressions we use today. From the commonplace “bedroom” to the unforgettable “break the ice,” his touches on the language can be noted. The inventiveness that Shakespeare showed in coining, twisting, and playing with language ensures that his legacy will shape future generations in the manner of speaking and writing.