now used in the United States as a euphemism for ~coffin~, which
is from the Greek _kophinos_, basket. Such innovations are not to
be recommended. They savor of pedantry, or, worse still, of pride.
If _coffin_ is not good enough for the worthy deceased or for his
purse-proud relatives, why rest content with the simple _casket_, when
by a mere figure of speech ~sarcophagus~ may save the reputation of
both the living and the dead?
~casuality~ is an obsolete form of ~casualty~, and should be treated as
such.
~cataclasm~ and ~cataclysm~ are often interchanged. The Greek _kata_,
down, is combined in the one case with _klaō_, break, and in the other
with _klyzo_, wash. Where sudden overwhelming change is intended, as
by revolution, _cataclasm_ is to be preferred to _cataclysm_, which,
though sometimes used to signify such a change, is strictly applied
to an overwhelming flood of water, and, specifically, to the Noachian
deluge.
~catch on~, ~to~: A colloquialism having two distinct meanings, the
first bordering on the vulgar, is used by persons with little sense of
refinement in speech for “to understand”; the second, used instead of
“to suit the popular fancy” or “to please the popular taste.”
~ceiling~ which in derivation is allied with the French _ciel_, Lat.
_cœlum_, heaven, is to be distinguished from its homonym ~sealing~, the
act of attesting with a seal, which springs etymologically from the
Latin _sigillum_, dim. of _signum_, mark.
~celery~, ~salary~: Exercise care in spelling these words. _Celery_ is
a biennial herb; _salary_, a periodical allowance made as compensation
for services.
~cereal~, a word derived from _Ceres_, the goddess of corn. It has
nothing in common, save the sound, with _serial_, which fitly describes
a literary publication in parts issued successively (Lat. _series_,
_sere_ join). Exercise care in spelling these words.
~cession~, from Latin of _cedo_, yield, meaning surrender, must not
be confounded with _session_, from Latin _sedeo_, sit, as used in the
expression a _session_ of court.
~character~, ~reputation~: These are not synonymous terms. _Character_
is what one is; _reputation_ is that which one is thought to be.
_Character_ includes both natural and acquired traits; _reputation_
designates only those traits acquired as by contact with one’s fellow
men. Holland in _Gold Foil_ (p. 219) makes the following distinction:
“_Character_ lives in a man; _reputation_ outside of him.”
~chargeable~: Do not spell this word _chargable_. Remember its
components are _charge_ + _able_ and the “e” is retained before the
second “a.”
~cherubim~ and ~seraphim~: Do not use these plurals as singulars. There
is no such thing as _a cherubim_.
~chew the rag~: A low phrase sometimes used as an equivalent for
“wrangle;” as, “stop chewing the rag,” meaning, “cease wrangling.” The
use of expressions of this kind can not be too severely condemned.
~childlike~, ~childish~: There is a distinction between these words.
The one is used in a good sense, the other is spoken in derogation.
~chin music~: A low phrase sometimes used as an equivalent for “talk,”
but not uttered by persons of refinement.
~chuck-full~ is the American colloquial form of _choke-_ or
_chock-full_, but this form finds no literary favor, and indeed the
expression is far from elegant, both in sense and sound.
~circus~: This word should not be used as a synonym of “frolic;” as
such it is a vulgar perversion.
~cite~, from the French _citer_ (Latin _cito_, frequentative of _cieo_,
call), means “mention by name, summon” and has no relationship with
_site_, similarly pronounced, which means “local position,” and is
derived from Lat. _situa_, pp. of _sino_, put.
~citizen~: Not to be used for _person_, except when civic relations
are referred to. “All _citizens_ are entitled to the protection of
the law,” but not “Ten _citizens_ were walking up the street,” unless
reference is had to some civic relation, as when opposed to soldiers,
policemen, residents of the country, or the like.
~claim~: “He _claimed_ that the discovery was his,” “I _claim_ that
this is true,” etc. Incorrect if the meaning is simply _assert_ or
_maintain_; but correct if the meaning is _assert_ with readiness
to _maintain_, and confidence that the thing _asserted_ can be
_maintained_, with the added idea that it makes for the advantage or
side of him who _asserts_ and _maintains_ it.
~clever~: In American colloquial usage _clever_ means “_good-natured
and obliging_”; in English use it means “skilful.” The American synonym
for the English meaning of “clever” is _smart_, and the English synonym
for the American meaning of “clever” is _jolly_.
~climax~, ~acme~: Discriminate carefully between these words. A
_climax_ is a successive increase in force of language for the purpose
of intensifying it. The _acme_ is the highest point or greatest
intensity attained.
~climb down~: As _to climb_ signifies ascension, this colloquialism of
the United States is apparently unwarranted. If, however, a descent be
laborious, as though by hands and feet, _crawl_ should be used as a
substitute for _climb_.
~coeval~, ~contemporary~: Discriminate carefully between these terms.
_Coeval_ is said of things existing at the same time; _contemporary_ is
applied to persons living in the same period.
~coffin~. Compare CASKET.
~commence~. Compare BEGIN.
~commodious~. Compare CONVENIENT.
~common~. Compare MUTUAL.
~commonly~: Do not confound this word with _generally_, _frequently_,
_usually_. That is _commonly_ done which is common to all; that
is _generally_ done, which is done by the larger number; that is
_frequently_ done which is done by a large number or by a single person
on many occasions; that is _usually_ done which is customarily done
whether by many or one.
~community~ is not a common noun personified, and therefore should
always be preceded by the article. Congress and Parliament, State and
Church have been personified, and may accordingly be used definitely in
the singular number without the article; but to permit such treatment
to army, navy, public, or _community_ would be a literary solecism.
~compare to~ or ~with~: We compare one thing _with_ another to note
points of agreement or difference. We _compare_ one thing _to_ another
which we believe it resembles.
“As a writer of English he [Addison] is not to be _compared_ except
with great peril to his reputation, _to_ at least a score of
men.”--RICHARD GRANT WHITE, _Words and their Uses_, ch. 4, p. 79.
He should have said _with_. If Addison is to be _compared to_ the
(presumably) able writers referred to, it can not be with “peril to
his reputation.” If _comparing_ him _with_ these men is perilous to
his reputation, then for his sake the comparison should not be made.
The sentence is an attempt to combine two ideas incompatible in a
single construction, _viz._, “If he is _compared with_ these men, it
will be to his disadvantage,” and “He is not to be _compared to_ these
men.”--STANDARD DICTIONARY.
~complected~ for ~complexioned~ is dialectical in the United States,
and not sanctioned in general usage.
~complement~, ~compliment~: Discriminate carefully between these
words. _Complement_ means “full quantity or number; that which is
needed to complete or fill up some quantity or thing; or a complete
or symmetrical whole.” A _compliment_ is “a delicate flattery, an
expression of admiration or an act of civility or courtesy.”
~complete~: A speech may be _finished_ but far from _complete_. To
_finish_ is to bring to an end, but to _complete_ is to bring to a
state in which there is nothing more to do. You _finish_ your dinner,
but _complete_ your toilet.
~completion~. Compare FINAL.
~comprehend~. Compare APPREHEND.
~conciseness~. Compare BREVITY.
~conclude~ should not be used for “close.” To _conclude_ is a mental
process; to _close_ a physical one.
~condign~ means “well-merited”; therefore, the common phrase “_condign_
punishment” is correct, but the phrase “Deserving (or not deserving)
_condign_ punishment,” is absurd because tautological.
~conduct~: Although the dictionaries give both a transitive and
intransitive place to this verb in the signification of “behave,”
it should properly be used only reflexively, as a transitive. Say,
“How did the débutante _conduct_ herself?” rather than “How did the
débutante _conduct_?”
~confess~. Compare OWN.
~congratulate~. Compare FELICITATE.
~congregation~, ~corps~: Exercise care in the use of these words. A
_congregation_ is an assemblage of persons who meet as for religious
worship or instruction; a _corps_ is a body of men associated in
some specific work, as a marine _corps_; a _corps_ of engineers. A
_congregation_ embraces both sexes, _corps_ is restricted to the male
sex.
~con man~: A vulgar term for a swindler’s decoy or “bunco-steerer”; a
_confidence man_: not used in polite society.
~conscious~, which relates to knowledge within one’s self, should
not be used for _aware_, which implies being on the lookout. The one
refers only to the past, or a present allied to the past, the other to
the future. We are _conscious_ of suffering, but _aware_ of imminent
danger. One is _conscious_ of the inner workings of his own mind, but
_aware_ of that which exists without him.
~constantly~ does not always mean “continually.” A man eats
_constantly_ but he would soon cease to be a man if he were to eat
_continuously_. In this sense _constantly_ means “regularly” and
_continuously_ means “without ceasing.” _Perpetually_, which means
“incessantly,” must also, and for the same reason, be distinguished
from _constantly_. Compare PERPETUALLY.
~construct~: Although this verb formerly had the meaning of _construe_,
both words having the same etymology, being derived from the Latin
_con_, together, + _strua_, pile up, it must no longer be used as
synonymous therewith. You _construe_ a sentence but _construct_ a
theory.
~construction~. Compare BUILDING.
~construe~. Compare CONSTRUCT.
~consul~, ~counsel~, ~council~: Discriminate carefully between these
words. A _consul_ is an officer appointed to reside in a foreign port
or city as the representative of his country’s commercial interests;
a _counsel_ is a lawyer engaged to give advice or act as advocate in
court; a _council_ is a body of persons elected or appointed to assist
in the administration of government or to legislate; a _councilor_ is
a member of a council; a _counselor_ is one who gives counsel; or, who
is an adviser or a lawyer.
~contagious~, ~contiguous~: Discriminate carefully between these words.
A disease may be _contagious_, that is catching; fear is _contagious_
when it spreads from one to another. _Contiguous_ is used chiefly of
neighboring regions or places and means “adjacent or situated so as to
touch.”
~contemplate~: May be used in the sense of _plan_, _intend_, but unless
the matter in question be somewhat doubtful and involves further
thoughtful consideration, it is better to say _intend_ or _propose_.
~contemporary~. Compare COEVAL.
~contemptible~, ~contemptibly~, ~contemptuous~, ~contemptuously~:
Discriminate carefully between these words. A _contemptible_ person is
one deserving of contempt as for meanness or vileness; _contemptibly_
means “in a contemptible manner” or “in a manner deserving of
contempt.” A _contemptuous_ person is “a disdainful person.” One who
speaks _contemptuously_ of another speaks of him with scorn or disdain.
~continual~, ~continuous~: _Continual_ implies the repeated renewal
of an act; _continuous_ means its unceasing continuity. The following
sentence will serve to illustrate the correct use of these words;
“_Continual_ interruptions impede _continuous_ work.”
~continually~. Compare CONSTANTLY.
~controller~, derived from the French _contre rôle_ and indicating
a person whose office it is to keep a counter roll or check in the
accounts of others, should not properly be spelt _comptroller_, which
word originates in a false derivation from _compter_, to count. Instead
of the word being thus derived, the spelling has been accommodated by
some to the imagined derivation.
~convenient~, ~commodious~: These terms are not always interchangeable.
A room may be “convenient” in that it is suitable for a required
purpose and “commodious” because it affords ample accommodation for the
purpose for which it is applied. A book may be _convenient_ in size or
arrangement but not _commodious_.
~correspond~. When the word means “answer or conform to” it is followed
by the preposition _to_; when it means “hold written communication” the
preposition is _with_.
~cotemporary~ which implies “equally temporary” should not be used for
“contemporary” which means existing at the same time.
~cough up~: Used as an equivalent for “pay up,” is vulgar and,
therefore, not used in polite society.
~council~, ~councilor~, ~counsel~, ~etc.~ Compare CONSUL.
~couple~: Does not mean merely two, but two united, as it were by
links. Thus a man and wife illustrate a _couple_; but to talk of “a
couple of weeks” is an absurdity for were two weeks coupled so as to
become one, the product (one week multiplied by two) would no longer be
a week but a fortnight.
~couple~, ~two~: Discriminate carefully between these terms. _Couple_
as an indefinite amount is a Teutonism common in America. Do not say
“He has a _couple_ of dollars in the bank”; say rather, “He has some
money in the bank.” Compare COUPLE.
~courage~. Compare BRAVERY.
~courier~, ~currier~: Discriminate carefully between these terms.
A _courier_ is a special messenger sent express with letters or
despatches; an attendant on a party of travelers. A _currier_ is a man
who dresses leather or combs a horse.
~covey~: As this word means “a brood or hatch of birds,” especially
quails or partridges, it should not be applied to persons or things as
is done by Thackeray in “The Virginians,” ch. 27.
~creditable~ is sometimes confounded with ~credible~, but the one word
means that which redounds to one’s credit, whereas the other signifies
that which is worthy of belief.
~crime~, ~sin~, ~vice~: Exercise care in the use of these words.
_Crime_ is an abstractly, flagrant violation of law or morality in
general; _sin_, disagreement in word, thought, deed, or desire,
whether by omission or commission, with the divine law; _vice_ is the
habitual deviation from moral rectitude.
~crow~, a colloquialism for _exult_.
~crush~ implies to force out of shape, therefore, it is pleonastic to
say “_crush out_,” of a mutiny.
~cultivation~, ~culture~: Discriminate carefully between these words.
While one of the various senses of _cultivation_ is culture, _culture_
should be used only of the development of the individual.
~cunning~, meaning “artful,” and by extension “innocently artful,” and
hence “bright,” “amusing,” or “characterized by quaint and playful
moods,” is often improperly introduced to imply “dainty,” “choice,”
especially if applied to anything diminutive. Such usage is not
permissible. A kitten may properly be said to be _cunning_, but not a
brooch, although (in archaic usage) that may exhibit the _cunning_ or
skill of the artificer.
~curious~, in such expressions as “It is a _curious_ fact” has been
hypercritically censured. The propriety of the usage is unquestionable.
“_Curious_ first ... denoted a state of mind, interest or diligence in
inquiry or prosecution; then it was predicated of things which exhibit
evident tokens of care (_cura_), dextrous application, ingenuity; and,
as such things are out of the common and are apt to arrest attention,
it naturally acquired the sense of ‘novel,’ ‘unusual,’ or more
generally ‘novel and noticeable.’”--FITZEDWARD HALL, _False Philology_,
p. 25.
~cuss~: A vulgar corruption of “curse,” designating a worthless or
disagreeable person, and as such it should be avoided.--~To cuss and
swear~, that is, “to use blasphemous language” is a phrase that also
should be avoided by persons having pretensions to refinement.
~custom~, ~habit~: It is the _custom_ of a person to do a thing until
it becomes a _habit_. From a voluntary act of the will it has grown
into an involuntary practise. It will thus be seen that whereas a
_custom_ is followed, a _habit_ is acquired. Moreover, as involuntary
acts are not predicated of bodies of people, _habits_ are of necessity
compared to individuals, “The _custom_ of social nipping tends to
individual _habits_ of dissipation.”
~customs~. Compare EXCISE.
~cut it out~, with the sense “eliminate,” is of recent introduction and
may be characterized as expressive though inelegant.
~cute~, which is an abbreviation of _acute_ and means “shrewd, smart,
clever, or bright” is a colloquialism, and as such is not favored in
certain literary circles.
D
~daisy~: A slang intensive, and as an equivalent for “fine” or
“charming,” applied to persons and things, sometimes carelessly as “a
daisy time,” for “a pleasant time.” In speaking of a woman, “Ain’t she
a _daisy_” is a vulgar way of saying “Isn’t she charming.”
~damage~ should never be used for “cost” or “charge.” _Damage_ is
injury or harm as to character, person, or estate; _cost_ and _charge_
involve or imply expenditure of money.
~dance, to lead one a~: A colloquialism for “to divert one from a
desired course, and thus create delay in its accomplishment.” There is
but little in the expression to recommend it.
~dander~ is a vulgarism for “anger” and as such should not be used.
~dangerous~: Avoid the vulgar use of this term in the sense of
“dangerously ill.” A man near death may be dangerously ill, but he can
not be _dangerous_.
~dare~, ~durst~ or ~dared~, ~daring~: “You daresn’t” “he durstn’t” are
frequently used--the former always incorrectly, the latter generally
so; for in nine cases out of ten, where the expression is used, the
speaker desires to signify the present and not the past. The form is
inelegant, but under certain conditions may be grammatically correct.
You dare not; he dares not (daresn’t): this for the _present_. In the
_past_ only, he durst not (or durstn’t).
~dead~, ~deceased~: Discriminate between these words. One may refer
correctly to a _dead_ man or a _dead_ horse, but the word _deceased_
is applied correctly only to human beings.
~dead slow~: A colloquialism for “lacking in spirit or liveliness, dull
or tedious;” applied indiscriminately to persons or things.
~deal~: Used sometimes loosely for ~serve~. Do not say “Deal the
potatoes;” here _serve_ is preferable.
~debase~. Compare DEMEAN.
~decease~ should never be used as a verb.
~deceive~: Deception implies the production of a false impression. It
is necessary, therefore, to distinguish between the accomplishment
of this object and the bare attempt. Yet one frequently hears the
expression “he is deceiving me,” when it is clear that (as the attempt
is unsuccessful) the idea intended to be conveyed is “he is attempting
to _deceive_ me.”
~decided~, ~decisive~: These terms are not exactly synonymous. A
_decided_ fact is one that is unmistakable and beyond dispute; a
_decisive_ fact is one that terminates a discussion. A _decided_
victory is not necessarily a battle _decisive_ of a campaign.
~deduction~ is frequently confounded with ~induction~. The _in-_
mounts up from facts to law and is the process of inferring general
conclusions from particular cases; the _de-_ descends from law to facts
and is that which is deduced from premises or principles. _Induction_
is termed analysis; _deduction_, synthesis.
~deface~, ~disfigure~: Discriminate between these words. Persons
_deface_ things, for to _deface_ implies a deliberate act of
destruction; but _disfiguration_ may take place to person or thing by
the operation of either. Thus, an inscription or bond is _defaced_, but
facial beauty is _disfigured_ by smallpox or the weight of care.
~delicious~, ~delightful~: These terms should be used with
discrimination. _Delicious_ is correctly applied to pleasures of
the senses; _delightful_ to that which charms, gratifies, or gives
pleasure. A dish may be _delicious_, but not _delightful_; an
entertainment may be _delightful_, but is certainly not _delicious_.
~delusion~, ~illusion~: Discriminate carefully between these terms. A
_delusion_ is a mental error arising from false views or an unbalanced
state of mind; an _illusion_ is an unreal image which is presented to
the senses. A mirage is an optical _illusion_.
~demean~ signifies “to behave” and does not mean _debase_ or _degrade_.
A man _demeans_ (_i. e._, comports) himself as a gentleman; but even
if he should _demean_ himself as a churl, the verb would not imply a
lowering of his dignity or _debasement_; his debasement would result
alone from the conduct he pursued.
~denominate~. Compare NOMINATE.
~depositary~, ~depository~: Discriminated in the best usage,
_depositary_ denoting a person with whom, and _depository_ a place in
which anything is deposited for safe-keeping.
~depravation~, ~depravity~: These terms are not synonymous.
_Depravation_ is the act or process of depraving or corrupting;
_depravity_ is the condition of being depraved.
~desert~. Compare ABANDON.
~desert~, ~dessert~: Discriminate carefully between these words. A
_desert_ is a barren waste; an uncultivated and uninhabited wilderness;
a _dessert_ is a service, as of fruits or sweetmeats, at the close of
a dinner.
~despatch~: This word may be spelt correctly either “despatch” or
“dispatch,” notwithstanding the fact that some writers condemn the word
“dispatch.”
~develop~ is to “unfold” or “bring to light _by degrees_” and should
not be used for “expose” which means to “reveal or lay bare,” without
regard to manner.
~device~, ~devise~: Discriminate carefully between these words. A
_device_ is something designed, invented, or constructed for a special
purpose or for promoting an end, and may be used in either a good or
bad sense. A _devise_ is a gift of lands by a last will and testament.
Compare BEQUEST.
~die~: A word often misapplied especially by persons accustomed to use
inane superlatives as “She died with laughing”; “I thought she’d have
died.” _Die_, as a hyperbole, means, “to have a great desire for,” and
this sense is an undesirable perversion.
~difference~: Careful note should be made of the appropriate
prepositions. The STANDARD DICTIONARY says: “Difference _between_ the
old and the new; differences _among_ men; a difference _in_ character;
_of_ action, _of_ style; (less frequently) a difference (controversy)
_with_ a person; a difference _of_ one thing _from_ (incorrectly _to_)
another.”
~different from~: _Different to_, though common in England, is not
sustained by good authority. The best literary usage is uniformly
_from_, following the analogy of the verb _differ_; one thing _differs
from_ or is _different from_ another.
~differ from~, ~differ with~: One thing may differ _from_ another, or
one person may differ _from_ another, as in physique; but one person
may differ _with_ another in opinion.
~dippy~: An extreme vulgarism for “mentally unbalanced.”
~direct~ should not be used where _address_ is intended. Do not say
“_Direct_ your letters to me at Cook’s;” say, rather, “_Address_ your
letters,” etc.
~directly~, which means “in a direct or straight course or manner,”
and so “without medium,” has not unnaturally been extended to signify
“without medium or intervention of time; immediately.” American
critics have objected to this use, but in England it is popular.
~disappoint~: Since _disappoint_ implies frustration or defeat, one
cannot be _agreeably disappointed_; rather agreeably _surprised_.
~discharge~. Compare ASSUME.