The word "argal" is spelled with the letters A-R-G-A-L. It is pronounced /ˈɑːɡəl/ according to the International Phonetic Alphabet. This word is used as a conjunction meaning "therefore" or "so," and is commonly found in Shakespearean plays. While its exact origin is uncertain, it is believed to have come from the French word "arguer," meaning to prove or argue. Despite being a relatively uncommon word, it still appears occasionally in modern literature and conversation.
Argal is an archaic adverb originating from Shakespearean English. It is used to introduce a statement or proposition that serves as a logical conclusion or result. The term is derived from the Latin phrase "ergo alio", which means "therefore elsewhere." Argal is typically employed in a contrapuntal manner to assert a contradictory point or to present an alternative viewpoint.
Within the context of Shakespearean plays, such as Hamlet, argal is often utilized to add emphasis to a character's argument or to indicate a subsequent action. It is commonly employed when a character wants to provide a definitive explanation or establish a conclusive point. The usage of argal can also be seen as a rhetorical device to command attention or as a form of ironic expression.
In contemporary language, argal is seldom used, and its presence is generally confined to Shakespearean literature and related academic studies. Due to its obsolete nature, argal is not included in most modern dictionaries and is not widely recognized outside of specialized literary circles. Nevertheless, its historical significance remains relevant as it reflects the linguistic evolution of the English language and the influence of Renaissance literature.
The word "argal" originates from the Middle French term "argali", which in turn comes from the Spanish "argolla". The Spanish word refers to a ring or hoop, usually used for fastening or bundling things together. "Argolla" was borrowed into English and later evolved into "argal". It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century, primarily in works of the playwright William Shakespeare.