Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒnəɹə͡l] (IPA) 
Goneril is a word derived from Shakespeare's play "King Lear". It is pronounced /ˈɡɒnərɪl/ according to IPA phonetic transcription. The spelling of the word can be explained phonetically by examining the individual sounds in the word. The "g" is pronounced as /ɡ/, the "o" as /ɒ/, the "n" as /n/, the "e" as /ə/, the "r" as /r/, the "i" as /ɪ/, and the "l" as /l/. When combined, these sounds create the word Goneril.
Goneril refers to a fictional character in William Shakespeare's play, King Lear. The name "Goneril" is often interpreted as a variant of "Gunnhildr," an Old Norse name meaning "battle warrior." However, the term is widely recognized as a proper noun and is not mentioned in traditional dictionaries.
In King Lear, Goneril is the eldest daughter of the eponymous king. She is depicted as conniving, cruel, and ambitious. Goneril's actions primarily revolve around her pursuit of power and authority. She initially expresses great love and devotion to her father in order to secure her share of his kingdom. However, after obtaining power, her true deceitful nature is revealed as she mistreats and disrespects her own father.
Goneril's transgressions include reducing her father's retinue of knights, refusing to accommodate him adequately, and ultimately encouraging her husband, Albany, to wage war against Lear. Her wickedness stems from her unquenchable thirst for power. Goneril's character highlights the theme of ingratitude in the play, contrasting the disloyalty she demonstrates towards her father with the loyalty and love exhibited by her younger sister, Cordelia.
The character of Goneril is often used to exemplify the destructive consequences of greed and ambition. Her portrayal serves as a cautionary tale against the perils of unchecked ambition, reinforcing the message that betrayal and wickedness ultimately lead to ruin.
