Julius Caesar 5.3 Word Nerd: Success

The transcript explores the evolution of the words 'succeed' and 'success' in the English language. Initially, 'succeed' meant to follow, and 'success' referred to any outcome, whether good, bad, or neutral. Over time, 'success' evolved to mean a positive result, as illustrated in Titanius's remark about mistrust leading to a tragic decision.

What was the original meaning of the verb 'succeed' in English?

• To achieve a positive outcome

• To follow after something

• To lead a group

• To win a competition

In the past, what did the noun 'success' refer to?

• Only positive outcomes

• Only negative outcomes

• Any type of outcome

• Only neutral outcomes

Around the time a certain play was written, how did the meaning of 'success' change?

• It started to mean any outcome

• It was used to describe a neutral result

• It began to mean a positive outcome

• It referred to a negative outcome

In Titanius's remark, what does 'success' imply?

• A positive outcome

• A neutral outcome

• A negative outcome

• An uncertain outcome

Why did Cassius choose to end his life?

• He was indifferent to the outcome

• He mistrusted the possibility of a positive outcome

• He was confident of a positive outcome

• He was assured of a negative outcome