As a language expert with a deep understanding of historical linguistics and the works of William Shakespeare, I can provide a detailed analysis of the question at hand. Estimating the number of words that Shakespeare knew is a complex task that involves a combination of historical research, textual analysis, and linguistic estimation.

Firstly, it's important to note that the English language has evolved significantly since Shakespeare's time, and the lexicon available to him was different from what we have today. Shakespeare's works, which include 39 plays, 154 sonnets, and a collection of narrative poems, demonstrate a remarkable command of the English language as it was in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

The figure of 31,534 words that Shakespeare is said to have known and used comes from a study by David and Ben Crystal in their book "Shakespeare's Words." This number is based on an analysis of Shakespeare's works and the unique words he employed. It's important to recognize that this count includes not only the words he used frequently but also those that appear only once or twice in his texts.

The additional 35,000 words that Shakespeare is believed to have known but didn't use are speculative. This figure is not based on direct evidence but rather on an extrapolation from the vocabulary he did use. It is assumed that a playwright of Shakespeare's caliber would have had a broad understanding of the language, including words he might not have chosen to include in his works for various reasons, such as dramatic effect, character voice, or the intended audience's comprehension.

When we combine these two figures, we arrive at an estimated total of 66,534 words that Shakespeare might have known. This is an impressive number, especially when compared to the average speaker of English, who is estimated to know between 10,000 and 20,000 words. It's worth noting that these averages can vary widely depending on factors such as education, profession, and personal interest in language.

It's also crucial to consider the context in which Shakespeare wrote. The Early Modern English period was a time of significant linguistic change, and Shakespeare's work both reflected and influenced these changes. He is known to have coined many words and phrases that have since become a part of the English lexicon.

In conclusion, while the exact number of words that Shakespeare knew can never be known with certainty, it is clear that his vocabulary was vast and his mastery of the English language was profound. His works continue to be studied and admired for their linguistic richness and the insight they provide into the language of his time.

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This means that in addition the 31,534 words that Shakespeare knew and used, there were approximately 35,000 words that he knew but didn't use. Thus, we can estimate that Shakespeare knew approximately 66,534 words. According to one estimate, the average speaker of English knows between 10,000-20,000 words.Apr 15, 2010read more >>