CALM.

Synonyms:

collected, imperturbable, sedate, still,

composed, peaceful, self-possessed, tranquil,

cool, placid, serene, undisturbed,

dispassionate, quiet, smooth, unruffled.

That is _calm_ which is free from disturbance or agitation; in the

physical sense, free from violent motion or action; in the mental or

spiritual realm, free from excited or disturbing emotion or passion. We

speak of a _calm_ sea, a _placid_ lake, a _serene_ sky, a _still_ night,

a _quiet_ day, a _quiet_ home. We speak, also, of "_still_ waters,"

"_smooth_ sailing," which are different modes of expressing freedom from

manifest agitation. Of mental conditions, one is _calm_ who triumphs

over a tendency to excitement; _cool_, if he scarcely feels the

tendency. One may be _calm_ by the very reaction from excitement, or by

the oppression of overpowering emotion, as we speak of the calmness of

despair. One is _composed_ who has subdued excited feeling; he is

_collected_ when he has every thought, feeling, or perception awake and

at command. _Tranquil_ refers to a present state, _placid_, to a

prevailing tendency. We speak of a _tranquil_ mind, a _placid_

disposition. The _serene_ spirit dwells as if in the clear upper air,

above all storm and shadow.

The star of the unconquered will,

He rises in my breast,

_Serene_, and resolute, and _still_,

And _calm_, and _self-possessed_.

LONGFELLOW _Light of Stars_ st. 7.

Antonyms:

agitated, excited, frenzied, passionate, ruffled, violent,

boisterous, fierce, furious, raging, stormy, wild,

disturbed, frantic, heated, roused, turbulent, wrathful.

* * * * *

CANCEL.

Synonyms:

abolish, discharge, nullify, rescind,

abrogate, efface, obliterate, revoke,

annul, erase, quash, rub off _or_ out,

blot out, expunge, remove, scratch out,

cross off _or_ out, make void, repeal, vacate.

_Cancel_, _efface_, _erase_, _expunge_, and _obliterate_ have as their

first meaning the removal of written characters or other forms of

record. To _cancel_ is, literally, to make a lattice by cross-lines,

exactly our English _cross out_; to _efface_ is to _rub off_, smooth

away the face, as of an inscription; to _erase_ is to _scratch out_,

commonly for the purpose of writing something else in the same space; to

_expunge_, is to punch out with some sharp instrument, so as to show

that the words are no longer part of the writing; to _obliterate_ is to

cover over or remove, as a letter, as was done by reversing the Roman

stylus, and _rubbing out_ with the rounded end what had been written

with the point on the waxen tablet. What has been _canceled_, _erased_,

_expunged_, may perhaps still be traced; what is _obliterated_ is gone

forever, as if it had never been. In many establishments, when a debt

is _discharged_ by payment, the record is _canceled_. The figurative use

of the words keeps close to the primary sense. Compare ABOLISH.

Antonyms:

approve, enact, establish, perpetuate, reenact, uphold,

confirm, enforce, maintain, record, sustain, write.

* * * * *

CANDID.

Synonyms:

aboveboard, honest, open, truthful,

artless, impartial, simple, unbiased,

fair, ingenuous, sincere, unprejudiced,

frank, innocent, straightforward, unreserved,

guileless, naive, transparent, unsophisticated.

A _candid_ statement is meant to be true to the real facts and just to

all parties; a _fair_ statement is really so. _Fair_ is applied to the

conduct; _candid_ is not; as, _fair_ treatment, "a _fair_ field, and no

favor." One who is _frank_ has a fearless and unconstrained

truthfulness. _Honest_ and _ingenuous_ unite in expressing contempt for

deceit. On the other hand, _artless_, _guileless_, _naive_, _simple_,

and _unsophisticated_ express the goodness which comes from want of the

knowledge or thought of evil. As truth is not always agreeable or

timely, _candid_ and _frank_ have often an objectionable sense; "to be

_candid_ with you," "to be perfectly _frank_," are regarded as sure

preludes to something disagreeable. _Open_ and _unreserved_ may imply

unstudied truthfulness or defiant recklessness; as, _open_ admiration,

_open_ robbery. There may be _transparent_ integrity or _transparent_

fraud. _Sincere_ applies to the feelings, as being all that one's words

would imply.

Antonyms:

adroit, cunning, diplomatic, intriguing, sharp, subtle,

artful, deceitful, foxy, knowing, shrewd, tricky,

crafty, designing, insincere, maneuvering, sly, wily.

Prepositions:

Candid _in_ debate; candid _to_ or _toward_ opponents; candid _with_

friend or foe; to be candid _about_ or _in regard to_ the matter.

* * * * *

CAPARISON.

Synonyms:

accouterments, harness, housings, trappings.

_Harness_ was formerly used of the armor of a knight as well as of a

horse; it is now used almost exclusively of the straps and appurtenances

worn by a horse when attached to a vehicle; the animal is said to be

"kind in _harness_." The other words apply to the ornamental outfit of a

horse, especially under saddle. We speak also of the _accouterments_ of

a soldier. _Caparison_ is used rarely and somewhat slightingly, and

_trappings_ quite contemptuously, for showy human apparel. Compare ARMS;

DRESS.

* * * * *

CAPITAL.

Synonyms:

chief city, metropolis, seat of government.

The _metropolis_ is the chief city in the commercial, the _capital_ in

the political sense. The _capital_ of an American State is rarely its

_metropolis_.

* * * * *

CARE.

Synonyms:

anxiety, concern, oversight, trouble,

attention, direction, perplexity, vigilance,

caution, forethought, precaution, wariness,

charge, heed, prudence, watchfulness,

circumspection, management, solicitude, worry.

_Care_ concerns what we possess; _anxiety_, often, what we do not;

riches bring many _cares_; poverty brings many _anxieties_. _Care_ also

signifies watchful _attention_, in view of possible harm; as, "This side

up with _care_;" "Take _care_ of yourself;" or, as a sharp warning,

"Take _care_!" _Caution_ has a sense of possible harm and risk only to

be escaped, if at all, by careful deliberation and observation. _Care_

inclines to the positive, _caution_ to the negative; _care_ is shown in

doing, _caution_ largely in not doing. _Precaution_ is allied with

_care_, _prudence_ with _caution_; a man rides a dangerous horse with

_care_; _caution_ will keep him from mounting the horse; _precaution_

looks to the saddle-girths, bit and bridle, and all that may make the

rider secure. _Circumspection_ is watchful observation and calculation,

but without the timidity implied in _caution_. _Concern_ denotes a

serious interest, milder than _anxiety_; as, _concern_ for the safety of

a ship at sea. _Heed_ implies _attention_ without disquiet; it is now

largely displaced by _attention_ and _care_. _Solicitude_ involves

especially the element of desire, not expressed in _anxiety_, and of

hopefulness, not implied in _care_. A parent feels constant _solicitude_

for his children's welfare, _anxiety_ as to dangers that threaten it,

with _care_ to guard against them. _Watchfulness_ recognizes the

possibility of danger, _wariness_ the probability. A man who is not

influenced by _caution_ to keep out of danger may display great

_wariness_ in the midst of it. _Care_ has also the sense of

responsibility, with possible control, as expressed in _charge_,

_management_, _oversight_; as, these children are under my _care_; send

the money to me in _care_ of the firm. Compare ALARM; ANXIETY; PRUDENCE.

Antonyms:

carelessness, inattention, negligence, oversight, remissness,

disregard, indifference, omission, recklessness, slight.

heedlessness, neglect,

Prepositions:

Take care _of_ the house; _for_ the future; _about_ the matter.

* * * * *

CAREER.

Synonyms:

charge, flight, passage, race,

course, line of achievement, public life, rush.

A _career_ was originally the ground for a race, or, especially, for a

knight's _charge_ in tournament or battle; whence _career_ was early

applied to the _charge_ itself.

If you will use the lance, take ground for your _career_.... The

four horsemen met in full _career_.

SCOTT _Quentin Durward_ ch. 14, p. 194. [D. F. & CO.]

In its figurative use _career_ signifies some continuous and conspicuous

work, usually a life-work, and most frequently one of honorable

achievement. Compare BUSINESS.

* * * * *

CARESS.

Synonyms:

coddle, embrace, fondle, pamper,

court, flatter, kiss, pet.

To _caress_ is less than to _embrace_; more dignified and less familiar

than to _fondle_. A visitor _caresses_ a friend's child; a mother

_fondles_ her babe. _Fondling_ is always by touch; _caressing_ may be

also by words, or other tender and pleasing attentions.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for AFFRONT.

Prepositions:

Caressed _by_ or _with_ the hand; caressed _by_ admirers, _at_ court.

* * * * *

CARICATURE.

Synonyms:

burlesque, extravaganza, mimicry, take-off,

exaggeration, imitation, parody, travesty.

A _caricature_ is a grotesque _exaggeration_ of striking features or

peculiarities, generally of a person; a _burlesque_ treats any subject

in an absurd or incongruous manner. A _burlesque_ is written or acted; a

_caricature_ is more commonly in sketch or picture. A _parody_ changes

the subject, but keeps the style; a _travesty_ keeps the subject, but

changes the style; a _burlesque_ does not hold itself to either subject

or style; but is content with a general resemblance to what it may

imitate. A _caricature_, _parody_, or _travesty_ must have an original;

a _burlesque_ may be an independent composition. An account of a

schoolboys' quarrel after the general manner of Homer's Iliad would be a

_burlesque_; the real story of the Iliad told in newspaper style would

be a _travesty_. An _extravaganza_ is a fantastic composition, musical,

dramatic, or narrative. _Imitation_ is serious; _mimicry_ is either

intentionally or unintentionally comical.

* * * * *

CARRY.

Synonyms:

bear, convey, move, sustain, transmit,

bring, lift, remove, take, transport.

A person may _bear_ a load either when in motion or at rest; he

_carries_ it only when in motion. The stooping Atlas _bears_ the world

on his shoulders; swiftly moving Time _carries_ the hour-glass and

scythe; a person may be said either to _bear_ or to _carry_ a scar,

since it is upon him whether in motion or at rest. If an object is to be

_moved_ from the place we occupy, we say _carry_; if to the place we

occupy, we say _bring_. A messenger _carries_ a letter to a

correspondent, and _brings_ an answer. _Take_ is often used in this

sense in place of _carry_; as, _take_ that letter to the office. _Carry_

often signifies to _transport_ by personal strength, without reference

to the direction; as, that is more than he can _carry_; yet, even so, it

would not be admissible to say _carry_ it to me, or _carry_ it here; in

such case we must say _bring_. To _lift_ is simply to raise from the

ground, tho but for an instant, with no reference to holding or moving;

one may be able to _lift_ what he could not _carry_. The figurative uses

of _carry_ are very numerous; as, to _carry_ an election, _carry_ the

country, _carry_ (in the sense of _capture_) a fort, _carry_ an

audience, _carry_ a stock of goods, etc. Compare CONVEY; KEEP; SUPPORT.

Antonyms:

drop, fall under, give up, let go, shake off, throw down, throw off.

Prepositions:

To carry coals _to_ Newcastle; carry nothing _from_, or _out of_, this

house; he carried these qualities _into_ all he did; carry _across_ the

street, _over_ the bridge, _through_ the woods, _around_ or _round_ the

corner; _beyond_ the river; the cable was carried _under_ the sea.

* * * * *

CATASTROPHE.

Synonyms:

calamity, denouement, mischance, mishap,

cataclysm, disaster, misfortune, sequel.

A _cataclysm_ or _catastrophe_ is some great convulsion or momentous

event that may or may not be a cause of misery to man. In _calamity_, or

_disaster_, the thought of human suffering is always present. It has

been held by many geologists that numerous _catastrophes_ or

_cataclysms_ antedated the existence of man. In literature, the final

event of a drama is the _catastrophe_, or _denouement_. _Misfortune_

ordinarily suggests less of suddenness and violence than _calamity_ or

_disaster_, and is especially applied to that which is lingering or

enduring in its effects. In history, the end of every great war or the

fall of a nation is a _catastrophe_, tho it may not be a _calamity_. Yet

such an event, if not a _calamity_ to the race, will always involve much

individual _disaster_ and _misfortune_. Pestilence is a _calamity_; a

defeat in battle, a shipwreck, or a failure in business is a _disaster_;

sickness or loss of property is a _misfortune_; failure to meet a friend

is a _mischance_; the breaking of a teacup is a _mishap_.

Antonyms:

benefit, boon, favor, pleasure, prosperity,

blessing, comfort, help, privilege, success.

Preposition:

The catastrophe _of_ a play; _of_ a siege; rarely, _to_ a person, etc.

* * * * *

CATCH.

Synonyms:

apprehend, comprehend, grasp, overtake, snatch,

capture, discover, grip, secure, take,

clasp, ensnare, gripe, seize, take hold of.

clutch, entrap, lay hold of (on, upon),

To _catch_ is to come up with or take possession of something departing,

fugitive, or illusive. We _catch_ a runaway horse, a flying ball, a

mouse in a trap. We _clutch_ with a swift, tenacious movement of the

fingers; we _grasp_ with a firm but moderate closure of the whole hand;

we _grip_ or _gripe_ with the strongest muscular closure of the whole

hand possible to exert. We _clasp_ in the arms. We _snatch_ with a

quick, sudden, and usually a surprising motion. In the figurative sense,

_catch_ is used of any act that brings a person or thing into our power

or possession; as, to _catch_ a criminal in the act; to _catch_ an idea,

in the sense of _apprehend_ or _comprehend_. Compare ARREST.

Antonyms:

fail of, give up, lose, release, throw aside,

fall short of, let go, miss, restore, throw away.

Prepositions:

To catch _at_ a straw; to catch a fugitive _by_ the collar; to catch a

ball _with_ the left hand; he caught the disease _from_ the patient; the

thief was caught _in_ the act; the bird _in_ the snare.

* * * * *

CAUSE.

Synonyms:

actor, causality, designer, occasion, precedent,

agent, causation, former, origin, reason,

antecedent, condition, fountain, originator, source,

author, creator, motive, power, spring.

The efficient _cause_, that which makes anything to be or be done, is

the common meaning of the word, as in the saying "There is no effect

without a _cause_." Every man instinctively recognizes himself acting

through will as the _cause_ of his own actions. The _Creator_ is the

Great First _Cause_ of all things. A _condition_ is something that

necessarily precedes a result, but does not produce it. An _antecedent_

simply precedes a result, with or without any agency in producing it;

as, Monday is the invariable _antecedent_ of Tuesday, but not the

_cause_ of it. The direct antonym of _cause_ is _effect_, while that of

_antecedent_ is _consequent_. An _occasion_ is some event which brings a

_cause_ into action at a particular moment; gravitation and heat are the

_causes_ of an avalanche; the steep incline of the mountain-side is a

necessary _condition_, and the shout of the traveler may be the

_occasion_ of its fall. _Causality_ is the doctrine or principle of

causes, _causation_ the action or working of causes. Compare DESIGN;

REASON.

Antonyms:

consequence, development, end, fruit, outcome, product,

creation, effect, event, issue, outgrowth, result.

Prepositions:

The cause _of_ the disaster; cause _for_ interference.

* * * * *

CEASE.

Synonyms:

abstain, desist, give over, quit,

bring to an end, discontinue, intermit, refrain,

come to an end, end, leave off, stop,

conclude, finish, pause, terminate.

Strains of music may gradually or suddenly _cease_. A man _quits_ work

on the instant; he may _discontinue_ a practise gradually; he _quits_

suddenly and completely; he _stops_ short in what he may or may not

resume; he _pauses_ in what he will probably resume. What _intermits_ or

is _intermitted_ returns again, as a fever that _intermits_. Compare

ABANDON; DIE; END; REST.

Antonyms:

begin, inaugurate, originate, set going, set on foot,

commence, initiate, set about, set in operation, start.

enter upon, institute,

Preposition:

Cease _from_ anger.

* * * * *

CELEBRATE.

Synonyms:

commemorate, keep, observe, solemnize.

To _celebrate_ any event or occasion is to make some demonstration of

respect or rejoicing because of or in memory of it, or to perform such

public rites or ceremonies as it properly demands. We _celebrate_ the

birth, _commemorate_ the death of one beloved or honored. We _celebrate_

a national anniversary with music and song, with firing of guns and

ringing of bells; we _commemorate_ by any solemn and thoughtful service,

or by a monument or other enduring memorial. We _keep_ the Sabbath,

_solemnize_ a marriage, _observe_ an anniversary; we _celebrate_ or

_observe_ the Lord's Supper in which believers _commemorate_ the

sufferings and death of Christ.

Antonyms:

contemn, dishonor, forget, neglect, profane,

despise, disregard, ignore, overlook, violate.

Prepositions:

We celebrate the day _with_ appropriate ceremonies; the victory was

celebrated _by_ the people, _with_ rejoicing.

* * * * *

CENTER.

Synonyms:

middle, midst.

We speak of the _center_ of a circle, the _middle_ of a room, the

_middle_ of the street, the _midst_ of a forest. The _center_ is equally

distant from every point of the circumference of a circle, or from the

opposite boundaries on each axis of a parallelogram, etc.; the _middle_

is more general and less definite. The _center_ is a point; the _middle_

may be a line or a space. We say _at_ the _center_; _in_ the _middle_.

_Midst_ commonly implies a group or multitude of surrounding objects.

Compare synonyms for AMID.

Antonyms:

bound, boundary, circumference, perimeter, rim.

* * * * *

CHAGRIN.

Synonyms:

confusion, discomposure, humiliation, shame,

disappointment, dismay, mortification, vexation.

_Chagrin_ unites _disappointment_ with some degree of _humiliation_. A

rainy day may bring _disappointment_; needless failure in some

enterprise brings _chagrin_. _Shame_ involves the consciousness of

fault, guilt, or impropriety; _chagrin_ of failure of judgment, or harm

to reputation. A consciousness that one has displayed his own ignorance

will cause him _mortification_, however worthy his intent; if there was

a design to deceive, the exposure will cover him with _shame_.

Antonyms:

delight, exultation, glory, rejoicing, triumph.

Prepositions:

He felt deep chagrin _at_ (_because of_, _on account of_) failure.

* * * * *

CHANGE, _v._

Synonyms:

alter, exchange, shift, transmute,

commute, metamorphose, substitute, turn,

convert, modify, transfigure, vary,

diversify, qualify, transform, veer.

To _change_ is distinctively to make a thing other than it has been, in

some respect at least; to _exchange_ to put or take something else in

its place; to _alter_ is ordinarily to _change_ partially, to make

different in one or more particulars. To _exchange_ is often to transfer

ownership; as, to _exchange_ city for country property. _Change_ is

often used in the sense of _exchange_; as, to _change_ horses. To

_transmute_ is to _change_ the qualities while the substance remains the

same; as, to _transmute_ the baser metals into gold. To _transform_ is

to _change_ form or appearance, with or without deeper and more

essential change; it is less absolute than _transmute_, tho sometimes

used for that word, and is often used in a spiritual sense as

_transmute_ could not be; "Be ye _transformed_ by the renewing of your

mind," _Rom._ xii, 2. _Transfigure_ is, as in its Scriptural use, to

change in an exalted and glorious spiritual way; "Jesus ... was

_transfigured_ before them, and his face did shine as the sun, and his

raiment was white as the light," _Matt._ xvii, 1, 2. To _metamorphose_

is to make some remarkable change, ordinarily in external qualities, but

often in structure, use, or chemical constitution, as of a caterpillar

into a butterfly, of the stamens of a plant into petals, or of the

crystalline structure of rocks, hence called "metamorphic rocks," as

when a limestone is _metamorphosed_ into a marble. To _vary_ is to

_change_ from time to time, often capriciously. To _commute_ is to put

something easier, lighter, milder, or in some way more favorable in

place of that which is _commuted_; as, to _commute_ capital punishment

to imprisonment for life; to _commute_ daily fares on a railway to a

monthly payment. To _convert_ (L. _con_, with, and _verto_, turn) is to

primarily _turn_ about, and signifies to _change_ in form, character,

use, etc., through a wide range of relations; iron is _converted_ into

steel, joy into grief, a sinner into a saint. To _turn_ is a popular

word for _change_ in any sense short of the meaning of _exchange_, being

often equivalent to _alter_, _convert_, _transform_, _transmute_, etc.

We _modify_ or _qualify_ a statement which might seem too strong; we

_modify_ it by some limitation, _qualify_ it by some addition.

Antonyms:

abide, continue, hold, persist, retain,

bide, endure, keep, remain, stay.

Prepositions:

To change a home toilet _for_ a street dress; to change _from_ a

caterpillar _to_ or _into_ a butterfly; to change clothes _with_ a

beggar.

* * * * *

CHANGE, _n._

Synonyms:

alteration, mutation, renewing, transmutation,

conversion, novelty, revolution, variation,

diversity, regeneration, transformation, variety,

innovation, renewal, transition, vicissitude.

A _change_ is a passing from one state or form to another, any act or

process by which a thing becomes unlike what it was before, or the

unlikeness so produced; we say a _change_ was taking place, or the

_change_ that had taken place was manifest. _Mutation_ is a more formal

word for _change_, often suggesting repeated or continual _change_; as,

the _mutations_ of fortune. _Novelty_ is a _change_ to what is new, or

the newness of that to which a change is made; as, he was perpetually

desirous of _novelty_. _Revolution_ is specifically and most commonly a

_change_ of government. _Variation_ is a partial _change_ in form,

qualities, etc., but especially in position or action; as, the

_variation_ of the magnetic needle or of the pulse. _Variety_ is a

succession of _changes_ or an intermixture of different things, and is

always thought of as agreeable. _Vicissitude_ is sharp, sudden, or

violent _change_, always thought of as surprising and often as

disturbing or distressing; as, the _vicissitudes_ of politics.

_Transition_ is _change_ by passing from one place or state to another,

especially in a natural, regular, or orderly way; as, the _transition_

from spring to summer, or from youth to manhood. An _innovation_ is a

_change_ that breaks in upon an established order or custom; as, an

_innovation_ in religion or politics. For the distinctions between the

other words compare the synonyms for CHANGE, _v._ In the religious sense

_regeneration_ is the vital _renewing_ of the soul by the power of the

divine Spirit; _conversion_ is the conscious and manifest _change_ from

evil to good, or from a lower to a higher spiritual state; as, in _Luke_

xxii, 32, "when thou art _converted_, strengthen thy brethren." In

popular use _conversion_ is the most common word to express the idea of

_regeneration_.

Antonyms:

constancy, fixedness, invariability, steadiness,

continuance, fixity, permanence, unchangeableness,

firmness, identity, persistence, uniformity.

Prepositions:

We have made a change _for_ the better; the change _from_ winter to

spring; the change _of_ a liquid _to_ or _into_ a gas; a change _in_

quality; a change _by_ absorption or oxidation.

* * * * *

CHARACTER.

Synonyms:

constitution, genius, personality, reputation, temper,

disposition, nature, record, spirit, temperament.

_Character_ is what one is; _reputation_, what he is thought to be; his

_record_ is the total of his known action or inaction. As a rule, a

man's _record_ will substantially express his _character_; his

_reputation_ may be higher or lower than his _character_ or _record_

will justify. _Repute_ is a somewhat formal word, with the same general

sense as _reputation_. One's _nature_ includes all his original

endowments or propensities; _character_ includes both natural and

acquired traits. We speak of one's physical _constitution_ as strong or

weak, etc., and figuratively, always with the adjective, of his mental

or moral _constitution_. Compare CHARACTERISTIC.

Prepositions:

The witness has a character _for_ veracity; his character is _above_

suspicion; the character _of_ the applicant.

* * * * *

CHARACTERISTIC.

Synonyms:

attribute, feature, peculiarity, sign, trace,

character, indication, property, singularity, trait.

distinction, mark, quality,

A _characteristic_ belongs to the nature or _character_ of the person,

thing, or class, and serves to identify an object; as, a copper-colored

skin, high cheek-bones, and straight, black hair are _characteristics_

of the American Indian. A _sign_ is manifest to an observer; a _mark_ or

a _characteristic_ may be more difficult to discover; an insensible

person may show _signs_ of life, while sometimes only close examination

will disclose _marks_ of violence. Pallor is ordinarily a _mark_ of

fear; but in some brave natures it is simply a _characteristic_ of

intense earnestness. _Mark_ is sometimes used in a good, but often in a

bad sense; we speak of the _characteristic_ of a gentleman, the _mark_

of a villain. Compare ATTRIBUTE; CHARACTER.

* * * * *

CHARMING.

Synonyms:

bewitching, delightful, enrapturing, fascinating,

captivating, enchanting, entrancing, winning.

That is _charming_ or _bewitching_ which is adapted to win others as by

a magic spell. _Enchanting_, _enrapturing_, _entrancing_ represent the

influence as not only supernatural, but irresistible and _delightful_.

That which is _fascinating_ may win without delighting, drawing by some

unseen power, as a serpent its prey; we can speak of horrible

_fascination_. _Charming_ applies only to what is external to oneself;

_delightful_ may apply to personal experiences or emotions as well; we

speak of a _charming_ manner, a _charming_ dress, but of _delightful_

anticipations. Compare AMIABLE; BEAUTIFUL.

* * * * *

CHASTEN.

Synonyms:

afflict, chastise, discipline, punish, refine, subdue,

castigate, correct, humble, purify, soften, try.

_Castigate_ and _chastise_ refer strictly to corporal punishment, tho

both are somewhat archaic; _correct_ and _punish_ are often used as

euphemisms in preference to either. _Punish_ is distinctly retributive

in sense; _chastise_, partly retributive, and partly corrective;

_chasten_, wholly corrective. _Chasten_ is used exclusively in the

spiritual sense, and chiefly of the visitation of God.

Prepositions:

"We are chastened _of_ the Lord," _1 Cor._ xi, 32; "they ... chastened

us _after_ their own pleasure, but He _for_ our profit," _Heb._ xii, 10;

"chasten _in_ thy hot displeasure," _Ps._ iv, 7; chasten _with_ pain;

_by_ trials and sorrows.

* * * * *

CHERISH.

Synonyms:

cheer, encourage, harbor, nurse, shelter,

cling to, entertain, hold dear, nurture, treasure,

comfort, foster, nourish, protect, value.

To _cherish_ is both to _hold dear_ and to treat as dear. Mere

unexpressed esteem would not be _cherishing_. In the marriage vow, "to

love, honor, and _cherish_," the word _cherish_ implies all that each

can do by love and tenderness for the welfare and happiness of the

other, as by support, protection, care in sickness, comfort in sorrow,

sympathy, and help of every kind. To _nurse_ is to tend the helpless or

feeble, as infants, or the sick or wounded. To _nourish_ is strictly to

sustain and build up by food; to _nurture_ includes careful mental and

spiritual training, with something of love and tenderness; to _foster_

is simply to maintain and care for, to bring up; a _foster_-child will

be _nourished_, but may not be as tenderly _nurtured_ or as lovingly

_cherished_ as if one's own. In the figurative sense, the opinion one

_cherishes_ he holds, not with mere cold conviction, but with loving

devotion.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for ABANDON; CHASTEN.

* * * * *

CHOOSE.

Synonyms:

cull, elect, pick, pick out, prefer, select.

_Prefer_ indicates a state of desire and approval; _choose_, an act of

will. Prudence or generosity may lead one to _choose_ what he does not

_prefer_. _Select_ implies a careful consideration of the reasons for

preference and choice. Among objects so nearly alike that we have no

reason to _prefer_ any one to another we may simply _choose_ the

nearest, but we could not be said to _select_ it. Aside from theology,

_elect_ is popularly confined to the political sense; as, a free people

_elect_ their own rulers. _Cull_, from the Latin _colligere_, commonly

means to collect, as well as to _select_. In a garden we _cull_ the

choicest flowers.

Antonyms:

cast away, decline, dismiss, refuse, repudiate,

cast out, disclaim, leave, reject, throw aside.

Prepositions:

Choose _from_ or _from among_ the number; choose _out of_ the army;

choose _between_ (or _betwixt_) two; _among_ many; choose _for_ the

purpose.

* * * * *

CIRCUMLOCUTION.

Synonyms:

diffuseness, prolixity, surplusage, verbiage,

periphrasis, redundance, tautology, verbosity,

pleonasm, redundancy, tediousness, wordiness.

_Circumlocution_ and _periphrasis_ are roundabout ways of expressing

thought; _circumlocution_ is the more common, _periphrasis_ the more

technical word. Constant _circumlocution_ produces an affected and heavy

style; occasionally, skilful _periphrasis_ conduces both to beauty and

to simplicity. Etymologically, _diffuseness_ is a scattering, both of

words and thought; _redundancy_ is an overflow. _Prolixity_ goes into

endless petty details, without selection or perspective. _Pleonasm_ is

the expression of an idea already plainly implied; _tautology_ is the

restatement in other words of an idea already stated, or a useless

repetition of a word or words. _Pleonasm_ may add emphasis; _tautology_

is always a fault. "I saw it with my eyes" is a _pleonasm_; "all the

members agreed unanimously" is _tautology_. _Verbiage_ is the use of

mere words without thought. _Verbosity_ and _wordiness_ denote an excess

of words in proportion to the thought. _Tediousness_ is the sure result

of any of these faults of style.

Antonyms:

brevity, compression, condensation, plainness, succinctness,

compactness, conciseness, directness, shortness, terseness.

* * * * *

CIRCUMSTANCE.

Synonyms:

accompaniment, fact, item, point,

concomitant, feature, occurrence, position,

detail, incident, particular, situation.

event,

A _circumstance_ (L. _circum_, around, and _sto_, stand), is something

existing or occurring in connection with or relation to some other fact

or event, modifying or throwing light upon the principal matter without

affecting its essential character; an _accompaniment_ is something that

unites with the principal matter, tho not necessary to it; as, the piano

_accompaniment_ to a song; a _concomitant_ goes with a thing in natural

connection, but in a subordinate capacity, or perhaps in contrast; as,

cheerfulness is a _concomitant_ of virtue. A _circumstance_ is not

strictly, nor usually, an occasion, condition, effect, or result. (See

these words under CAUSE.) Nor is the _circumstance_ properly an

_incident_. (See under ACCIDENT.) We say, "My decision will depend upon

_circumstances_"--not "upon _incidents_." That a man wore a blue necktie

would not probably be the cause, occasion, condition, or _concomitant_

of his committing murder; but it might be a very important

_circumstance_ in identifying him as the murderer. All the

_circumstances_ make up the _situation_. A certain disease is the cause

of a man's death; his suffering is an _incident_; that he is in his own

home, that he has good medical attendance, careful nursing, etc., are

consolatory _circumstances_. With the same idea of subordination, we

often say, "This is not a _circumstance_ to that." So a person is said

to be in easy _circumstances_. Compare EVENT.

Prepositions:

"Mere situation is expressed by '_in_ the circumstances'; action

affected is performed '_under_ the circumstances.'" [M.]

* * * * *

CLASS.

Synonyms:

association, circle, clique, company, grade, rank,

caste, clan, club, coterie, order, set.

A _class_ is a number or body of persons or objects having common

pursuits, purposes, attributes, or characteristics. A _caste_ is

hereditary; a _class_ may be independent of lineage or descent;

membership in a _caste_ is supposed to be for life; membership in a

_class_ may be very transient; a religious and ceremonial sacredness

attaches to the _caste_, as not to the _class_. The rich and the poor

form separate _classes_; yet individuals are constantly passing from

each to the other; the _classes_ in a college remain the same, but their

membership changes every year. We speak of _rank_ among hereditary

nobility or military officers; of various _orders_ of the priesthood; by

accommodation, we may refer in a general way to the higher _ranks_, the

lower _orders_ of any society. _Grade_ implies some regular scale of

valuation, and some inherent qualities for which a person or thing is

placed higher or lower in the scale; as, the coarser and finer _grades_

of wool; a man of an inferior _grade_. A _coterie_ is a small company of

persons of similar tastes, who meet frequently in an informal way,

rather for social enjoyment than for any serious purpose. _Clique_ has

always an unfavorable meaning. A _clique_ is always fractional, implying

some greater gathering of which it is a part; the association breaks up

into _cliques_. Persons unite in a _coterie_ through simple liking for

one another; they withdraw into a _clique_ largely through aversion to

outsiders. A _set_, while exclusive, is more extensive than a _clique_,

and chiefly of persons who are united by common social station, etc.

_Circle_ is similar in meaning to _set_, but of wider application; we

speak of scientific and religious as well as of social _circles_.

Prepositions:

A class _of_ merchants; the senior class _at_ (sometimes _of_) Harvard;

the classes _in_ college.

* * * * *

CLEANSE.

Synonyms:

brush, dust, purify, scour, sponge, wash,

clean, lave, rinse, scrub, sweep, wipe.

disinfect, mop,

To _clean_ is to make clean by removing dirt, impurities, or soil of any

kind. _Cleanse_ implies a worse condition to start from, and more to do,

than _clean_. Hercules _cleansed_ the Augean stables. _Cleanse_ is

especially applied to purifying processes where liquid is used, as in

the flushing of a street, etc. We _brush_ clothing if dusty, _sponge_

it, or _sponge_ it off, if soiled; or _sponge_ off a spot. Furniture,

books, etc., are _dusted_; floors are _mopped_ or _scrubbed_; metallic

utensils are _scoured_; a room is _swept_; soiled garments are _washed_;

foul air or water is _purified_. _Cleanse_ and _purify_ are used

extensively in a moral sense; _wash_ in that sense is archaic. Compare

AMEND.

Antonyms:

befoul, bespatter, debase, deprave, soil, stain, taint,

besmear, contaminate, defile, pollute, spoil, sully, vitiate.

besmirch, corrupt,

Prepositions:

Cleanse _of_ or _from_ physical or moral defilement; cleanse _with_ an

instrument; _by_ an agent; the room was cleansed _by_ the attendants

_with_ soap and water.

* * * * *

CLEAR.

Synonyms:

apparent, intelligible, pellucid, transparent,

diaphanous, limpid, perspicuous, unadorned,

distinct, lucid, plain, unambiguous,

evident, manifest, straightforward, unequivocal,

explicit, obvious, translucent, unmistakable.

_Clear_ (L. _clarus_, bright, brilliant) primarily refers to that which

shines, and impresses the mind through the eye with a sense of luster

or splendor. A substance is said to be _clear_ that offers no impediment

to vision--is not dim, dark, or obscure. _Transparent_ refers to the

medium through which a substance is seen, _clear_ to the substance

itself, without reference to anything to be seen through it; we speak of

a stream as _clear_ when we think of the water itself; we speak of it as

_transparent_ with reference to the ease with which we see the pebbles

at the bottom. _Clear_ is also said of that which comes to the senses

without dimness, dulness, obstruction, or obscurity, so that there is no

uncertainty as to its exact form, character, or meaning, with something

of the brightness or brilliancy implied in the primary meaning of the

word _clear_; as, the outlines of the ship were _clear_ against the sky;

a _clear_ view; a _clear_ note; "_clear_ as a bell;" a _clear_, frosty

air; a _clear_ sky; a _clear_ statement; hence, the word is used for

that which is free from any kind of obstruction; as, a _clear_ field.

_Lucid_ and _pellucid_ refer to a shining clearness, as of crystal. A

_transparent_ body allows the forms and colors of objects beyond to be

seen through it; a _translucent_ body allows light to pass through, but

may not permit forms and colors to be distinguished; plate glass is

_transparent_, ground glass is _translucent_. _Limpid_ refers to a

liquid clearness, or that which suggests it; as, _limpid_ streams. That

which is _distinct_ is well defined, especially in outline, each part or

object standing or seeming apart from any other, not confused,

indefinite, or blurred; _distinct_ enunciation enables the hearer to

catch every word or vocal sound without perplexity or confusion; a

_distinct_ statement is free from indefiniteness or ambiguity; a

_distinct_ apprehension of a thought leaves the mind in no doubt or

uncertainty regarding it. That is _plain_, in the sense here considered,

which is, as it were, level to the thought, so that one goes straight on

without difficulty or hindrance; as, _plain_ language; a _plain_

statement; a _clear_ explanation. _Perspicuous_ is often equivalent to

_plain_, but _plain_ never wholly loses the meaning of _unadorned_, so

that we can say the style is _perspicuous_ tho highly ornate, when we

could not call it at once ornate and _plain_. Compare EVIDENT.

Antonyms:

ambiguous, dim, foggy, mysterious, opaque, unintelligible,

cloudy, dubious, indistinct, obscure, turbid, vague.

Prepositions:

Clear _to_ the mind; clear _in_ argument; clear _of_ or _from_

annoyances.

* * * * *

CLEVER.

Synonyms:

able, capable, happy, keen, sharp,

adroit, dexterous, ingenious, knowing, skilful,

apt, expert, intellectual, quick, smart,

bright, gifted, intelligent, quick-witted, talented.

_Clever_, as used in England, especially implies an aptitude for study

or learning, and for excellent tho not preeminent mental achievement.

The early New England usage as implying simple and weak good nature has

largely affected the use of the word throughout the United States, where

it has never been much in favor. _Smart_, indicating dashing ability, is

now coming to have a suggestion of unscrupulousness, similar to that of

the word _sharp_, which makes its use a doubtful compliment. The

discriminating use of such words as _able_, _gifted_, _talented_, etc.,

is greatly preferable to an excessive use of the word _clever_. Compare

ACUMEN; ASTUTE; POWER.

Antonyms:

awkward, clumsy, foolish, ignorant, slow, thick-headed,

bungling, dull, idiotic, senseless, stupid, witless.

* * * * *

COLLISION.

Synonyms:

clash, concussion, contact, impact, opposition,

clashing, conflict, encounter, meeting, shock.

_Collision_, the act or fact of striking violently together, is the

result of motion or action, and is sudden and momentary; _contact_ may

be a condition of rest, and be continuous and permanent; _collision_ is

sudden and violent _contact_. _Concussion_ is often by transmitted force

rather than by direct _impact_; two railway-trains come into

_collision_; an explosion of dynamite shatters neighboring windows by

_concussion_. _Impact_ is the blow given by the striking body; as, the

_impact_ of the cannon-shot upon the target. An _encounter_ is always

violent, and generally hostile. _Meeting_ is neutral, and may be of the

dearest friends or of the bitterest foes; of objects, of persons, or of

opinions; of two or of a multitude. _Shock_ is the result of

_collision_. In the figurative use, we speak of _clashing_ of views,

_collision_ of persons. _Opposition_ is used chiefly of persons, more

rarely of opinions or interests; _conflict_ is used indifferently of

all.

Antonyms:

agreement, coincidence, concord, conformity, unison,

amity, concert, concurrence, harmony, unity.

Prepositions:

Collision _of_ one object _with_ another; _of_ or _between_ opposing

objects.

* * * * *

COMFORTABLE.

Synonyms:

agreeable, cheery, genial, snug,

at ease, commodious, pleasant, well-off,

at rest, contented, satisfactory, well-provided,

cheerful, convenient, satisfied, well-to-do.

A person is _comfortable_ in mind when _contented_ and measurably

_satisfied_. A little additional brightness makes him _cheerful_. He is

_comfortable_ in body when free from pain, quiet, _at ease_, _at rest_.

He is _comfortable_ in circumstances, or in _comfortable_ circumstances,

when things about him are generally _agreeable_ and _satisfactory_,

usually with the suggestion of sufficient means to secure that result.

Antonyms:

cheerless, discontented, distressed, forlorn, uncomfortable,

disagreeable, dissatisfied, dreary, miserable, wretched.

* * * * *

COMMIT.

Synonyms:

assign, confide, consign, entrust, relegate, trust.

_Commit_, in the sense here considered, is to give in charge, put into

care or keeping; to _confide_ or _entrust_ is to _commit_ especially to

one's fidelity, _confide_ being used chiefly of mental or spiritual,

_entrust_ also of material things; we _assign_ a duty, _confide_ a

secret, _entrust_ a treasure; we _commit_ thoughts to writing; _commit_

a paper to the flames, a body to the earth; a prisoner is _committed_ to

jail. _Consign_ is a formal word in mercantile use; as, to _consign_

goods to an agent. Religiously, we _consign_ the body to the grave,

_commit_ the soul to God. Compare DO.

Prepositions:

Commit _to_ a friend _for_ safe-keeping; in law, commit _to_ prison;

_for_ trial; _without_ bail; in default _of_ bail; _on_ suspicion.

* * * * *

COMPANY.

Synonyms:

assemblage, concourse, convocation, host,

assembly, conference, crowd, meeting,

collection, congregation, gathering, multitude,

conclave, convention, group, throng.

_Company_, from the Latin _cum_, with, and _panis_, bread, denotes

primarily the association of those who eat at a common table, or the

persons so associated, table-companions, messmates, friends, and hence

is widely extended to include any association of those united

permanently or temporarily, for business, pleasure, festivity, travel,

etc., or by sorrow, misfortune, or wrong; _company_ may denote an

indefinite number (ordinarily more than two), but less than a

_multitude_; in the military sense a _company_ is a limited and definite

number of men; _company_ implies more unity of feeling and purpose than

_crowd_, and is a less formal and more familiar word than _assemblage_

or _assembly_. An _assemblage_ may be of persons or of objects; an

_assembly_ is always of persons. An _assemblage_ is promiscuous and

unorganized; an _assembly_ is organized and united in some common

purpose. A _conclave_ is a secret _assembly_. A _convocation_ is an

_assembly_ called by authority for a special purpose; the term

_convention_ suggests less dependence upon any superior authority or

summons. A _group_ is small in number and distinct in outline, clearly

marked off from all else in space or time. _Collection_, _crowd_,

_gathering_, _group_, and _multitude_ have the unorganized and

promiscuous character of the _assemblage_; the other terms come under

the general idea of _assembly_. _Congregation_ is now almost exclusively

religious; _meeting_ is often so used, but is less restricted, as we may

speak of a _meeting_ of armed men. _Gathering_ refers to a coming

together, commonly of numbers, from far and near; as, the _gathering_ of

the Scottish clans.

Antonyms:

dispersion, loneliness, privacy, retirement, seclusion, solitude.

* * * * *

COMPEL.

Synonyms:

coerce, drive, make, oblige.

constrain, force, necessitate,

To _compel_ one to an act is to secure its performance by the use of

irresistible physical or moral force. _Force_ implies primarily an

actual physical process, absolutely subduing all resistance. _Coerce_

implies the actual or potential use of so much force as may be necessary

to secure the surrender of the will; the American secessionists

contended that the Federal government had no right to _coerce_ a State.

_Constrain_ implies the yielding of judgment and will, and in some cases

of inclination or affection, to an overmastering power; as, "the love of

Christ _constraineth_ us," _2 Cor._ v, 14. Compare DRIVE; INFLUENCE.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for HINDER.

Prepositions:

The soldiers were compelled _to_ desertion: preferably with the

infinitive, compelled _to_ desert.

* * * * *

COMPLAIN.

Synonyms:

croak, growl, grunt, remonstrate,

find fault, grumble, murmur, repine.

To _complain_ is to give utterance to dissatisfaction or objection,

express a sense of wrong or ill treatment. One _complains_ of a real or

assumed grievance; he may _murmur_ through mere peevishness or ill

temper; he _repines_, with vain distress, at the irrevocable or the

inevitable. _Complaining_ is by speech or writing; _murmuring_ is

commonly said of half-repressed utterance; _repining_ of the mental act

alone. One may _complain_ of an offense to the offender or to others; he

_remonstrates_ with the offender only. _Complain_ has a formal and legal

meaning, which the other words have not, signifying to make a formal

accusation, present a specific charge; the same is true of the noun

_complaint_.

Antonyms:

applaud, approve, commend, eulogize, laud, praise.

Prepositions:

Complain _of_ a thing _to_ a person; _of_ one person _to_ another, _of_

or _against_ a person _for_ an act; _to_ an officer; _before_ the court;

_about_ a thing.

* * * * *

COMPLEX.

Synonyms:

abstruse, confused, intricate, mixed,

complicated, conglomerate, involved, multiform,

composite, entangled, manifold, obscure,

compound, heterogeneous, mingled, tangled.

That is _complex_ which is made up of several connected parts. That is

_compound_ in which the parts are not merely connected, but fused, or

otherwise combined into a single substance. In a _composite_ object the

different parts have less of unity than in that which is _complex_ or

_compound_, but maintain their distinct individuality. In a

_heterogeneous_ body unlike parts or particles are intermingled, often

without apparent order or plan. _Conglomerate_ (literally, globed

together) is said of a _confused_ mingling of masses or lumps of various

substances. The New England pudding-stone is a _conglomerate_ rock. In a

_complex_ object the arrangement and relation of parts may be perfectly

clear; in a _complicated_ mechanism the parts are so numerous, or so

combined, that the mind can not readily grasp their mutual relations; in

an _intricate_ arrangement the parts are so intertwined that it is

difficult to follow their windings; things are _involved_ which are

rolled together so as not to be easily separated, either in thought or

in fact; things which are _tangled_ or _entangled_ mutually hold and

draw upon each other. The conception of a material object is usually

_complex_, involving form, color, size, and other elements; a clock is a

_complicated_ mechanism; the Gordian knot was _intricate_; the twining

serpents of the Laocoon are _involved_. We speak of an _abstruse_

statement, a _complex_ conception, a _confused_ heap, a _heterogeneous_

mass, a _tangled_ skein, an _intricate_ problem; of _composite_

architecture, an _involved_ sentence; of the _complicated_ or

_intricate_ accounts of a great business, the _entangled_ accounts of an

incompetent or dishonest bookkeeper.

Antonyms:

clear, homogeneous, plain, uncombined, uniform,

direct, obvious, simple, uncompounded, unraveled.

* * * * *

CONDEMN.

Synonyms:

blame, convict, doom, reprove,

censure, denounce, reprobate, sentence.

To _condemn_ is to pass judicial sentence or render judgment or decision

against. We may _censure_ silently; we _condemn_ ordinarily by open and

formal utterance. _Condemn_ is more final than _blame_ or _censure_; a

_condemned_ criminal has had his trial; a _condemned_ building can not

stand; a _condemned_ ship can not sail. A person is _convicted_ when his

guilt is made clearly manifest to others; in somewhat archaic use, a

person is said to be _convicted_ when guilt is brought clearly home to

his own conscience (_convict_ in this sense being allied with

_convince_, which see under PERSUADE); in legal usage one is said to be

_convicted_ only by the verdict of a jury. In stating the penalty of an

offense, the legal word _sentence_ is now more common than _condemn_;

as, he was _sentenced_ to imprisonment; but it is good usage to say, he

was _condemned_ to imprisonment. To _denounce_ is to make public or

official declaration against, especially in a violent and threatening

manner.

From the pulpits in the northern States Burr was _denounced_ as an

assassin.

COFFIN _Building the Nation_ ch. 10, p. 137. [H. '83.]

To _doom_ is to _condemn_ solemnly and consign to evil or destruction or

to predetermine to an evil destiny; an inferior race in presence of a

superior is _doomed_ to subjugation or extinction. Compare ARRAIGN;

REPROVE.

Antonyms:

absolve, applaud, exonerate, pardon,

acquit, approve, justify, praise.

Prepositions:

The bandit was condemned _to_ death _for_ his crime.

* * * * *

CONFESS.

Synonyms:

accept, allow, concede, grant,

acknowledge, avow, disclose, own,

admit, certify, endorse, recognize.

We _accept_ another's statement; _admit_ any point made against us;

_acknowledge_ what we have said or done, good or bad; _avow_ our

individual beliefs or feelings; _certify_ to facts within our knowledge;

_confess_ our own faults; _endorse_ a friend's note or statement;

_grant_ a request; _own_ our faults or obligations; _recognize_ lawful

authority; _concede_ a claim. _Confess_ has a high and sacred use in the

religious sense; as, to _confess_ Christ before men. It may have also a

playful sense (often with _to_); as, one _confesses to_ a weakness for

confectionery. The chief present use of the word, however, is in the

sense of making known to others one's own wrong-doing; in this sense

_confess_ is stronger than _acknowledge_ or _admit_, and more specific

than _own_; a person _admits_ a mistake; _acknowledges_ a fault;

_confesses_ sin or crime. Compare APOLOGY; AVOW.

Antonyms:

cloak, deny, disown, hide, screen,

conceal, disavow, dissemble, mask, secrete,

cover, disguise, dissimulate, repudiate, veil.

* * * * *

CONFIRM.

Synonyms:

assure, fix, sanction, substantiate,

corroborate, prove, settle, sustain,

establish, ratify, strengthen, uphold.

_Confirm_ (L. _con_, together, and _firmus_, firm) is to add firmness or

give stability to. Both _confirm_ and _corroborate_ presuppose something

already existing to which the confirmation or corroboration is added.

Testimony is _corroborated_ by concurrent testimony or by circumstances;

_confirmed_ by _established_ facts. That which is thoroughly _proved_ is

said to be _established_; so is that which is official and has adequate

power behind it; as, the _established_ government; the _established_

church. The continents are _fixed_. A treaty is _ratified_; an

appointment _confirmed_. An act is _sanctioned_ by any person or

authority that passes upon it approvingly. A statement is

_substantiated_; a report _confirmed_; a controversy _settled_; the

decision of a lower court _sustained_ by a higher. Just government

should be _upheld_. The beneficent results of Christianity _confirm_ our

faith in it as a divine revelation.

Antonyms:

abrogate, cancel, overthrow, shatter, upset,

annul, destroy, shake, unsettle, weaken.

Prepositions:

Confirm a statement _by_ testimony; confirm a person _in_ a belief.

* * * * *

CONGRATULATE.

Synonym:

felicitate.

To _felicitate_ is to pronounce one happy or wish one joy; to

_congratulate_ is to express hearty sympathy in his joys or hopes.

_Felicitate_ is cold and formal. We say one _felicitates_ himself; tho

to _congratulate_ oneself, which is less natural, is becoming prevalent.

Antonyms:

condole with, console.

Prepositions:

Congratulate one _on_ or _upon_ his success.

* * * * *

CONQUER.

Synonyms:

beat, humble, overthrow, subject,

checkmate, master, prevail over, subjugate,

crush, overcome, put down, surmount,

defeat, overmaster, reduce, vanquish,

discomfit, overmatch, rout, win,

down, overpower, subdue, worst.

To _defeat_ an enemy is to gain an advantage for the time; to _vanquish_

is to win a signal victory; to _conquer_ is to _overcome_ so effectually

that the victory is regarded as final. _Conquer_, in many cases, carries

the idea of possession; as, to _conquer_ respect, affection, peace, etc.

A country is _conquered_ when its armies are defeated and its territory

is occupied by the enemy; it may be _subjected_ to indemnity or to

various disabilities; it is _subjugated_ when it is held helplessly and

continuously under military control; it is _subdued_ when all resistance

has died out. An army is _defeated_ when forcibly driven back; it is

_routed_ when it is converted into a mob of fugitives. Compare BEAT.

Antonyms:

capitulate, fail, fly, lose, retire, submit, surrender,

cede, fall, forfeit, resign, retreat, succumb, yield.

* * * * *

CONSCIOUS.

Synonyms:

advised, assured, certain, cognizant, sensible,

apprised, aware, certified, informed, sure.

One is _aware_ of that which exists without him; he is _conscious_ of

the inner workings of his own mind. _Sensible_ may be used in the exact

sense of _conscious_, or it may partake of both the senses mentioned

above. One may be _sensible_ of his own or another's error; he is

_conscious_ only of his own. A person may feel _assured_ or _sure_ of

something false or non-existent; what he is _aware_ of, still more what

he is _conscious_ of, must be fact. _Sensible_ has often a reference to

the emotions where _conscious_ might apply only to the intellect; to say

a culprit is _sensible_ of his degradation is more forcible than to say

he is _conscious_ of it.

Antonyms:

cold, dead, deaf, ignorant, insensible, unaware, unconscious.

Preposition:

On the stormy sea, man is conscious _of_ the limitation of human power.

* * * * *

CONSEQUENCE.

Synonyms:

consequent, end, issue, outgrowth, sequel,

effect, event, outcome, result, upshot.

_Effect_ is the strongest of these words; it is that which is directly

produced by the action of an efficient cause; we say, "Every _effect_

must have an adequate cause" (compare CAUSE). In regard to human

actions, _effect_ commonly relates to intention; as, the shot took

_effect_, _i. e._, the _effect_ intended. A _consequence_ is that which

follows an act naturally, but less directly than the _effect_. The

motion of the piston is the _effect_, and the agitation of the water

under the paddle-wheels a _consequence_ of the expansion of steam in the

cylinder. The _result_ is, literally, the rebound of an act, depending

on many elements; the _issue_ is that which flows forth directly; we say

the _issue_ of a battle, the _result_ of a campaign. A _consequent_

commonly is that which follows simply in order of time, or by logical

inference. The _end_ is the actual _outcome_ without determination of

its relation to what has gone before; it is ordinarily viewed as either

the necessary, natural, or logical _outcome_, any _effect_,

_consequence_, or _result_ being termed an _end_; as, the _end_ of such

a course must be ruin. The _event_ (L. _e_, out, and _venio_, come) is

primarily exactly the same in meaning as _outcome_; but in use it is

more nearly equivalent to _upshot_ signifying the sum and substance of

all _effects_, _consequences_, and _results_ of a course of action.

Compare ACCIDENT; CAUSE; CIRCUMSTANCE; END; EVENT.

* * * * *

CONSOLE.

Synonyms:

comfort, condole with, encourage, sympathize with.

One _condoles with_ another by the expression of kindly sympathy in his

trouble; he _consoles_ him by considerations adapted to soothe and

sustain the spirit, as by the assurances and promises of the gospel; he

_encourages_ him by the hope of some relief or deliverance; he

_comforts_ him by whatever act or word tends to bring mind or body to a

state of rest and cheer. We _sympathize with_ others, not only in

sorrow, but in joy. Compare ALLEVIATE; PITY.

Antonyms:

annoy, distress, disturb, grieve, hurt, sadden, trouble, wound.

* * * * *

CONTAGION.

Synonym:

infection.

_Infection_ is frequently confused with _contagion_, even by medical

men. The best usage now limits _contagion_ to diseases that are

transmitted by contact with the diseased person, either directly by

touch or indirectly by use of the same articles, by breath, effluvia,

etc. _Infection_ is applied to diseases produced by no known or

definable influence of one person upon another, but where common

climatic, malarious, or other wide-spread conditions are believed to be

chiefly instrumental.

* * * * *

CONTINUAL.

Synonyms:

ceaseless, incessant, regular, uninterrupted,

constant, invariable, unbroken, unremitting,

continuous, perpetual, unceasing, unvarying.

_Continuous_ describes that which is absolutely without pause or break;

_continual_, that which often intermits, but as regularly begins again.

A _continuous_ beach is exposed to the _continual_ beating of the waves.

A similar distinction is made between _incessant_ and _ceaseless_. The

_incessant_ discharge of firearms makes the _ceaseless_ roar of battle.

_Constant_ is sometimes used in the sense of _continual_; but its chief

uses are mental and moral.

* * * * *

CONTRACT.

Synonyms:

agreement, cartel, engagement, pledge,

arrangement, compact, obligation, promise,

bargain, covenant, pact, stipulation.

All these words involve at least two parties, tho an _engagement_ or

_promise_ may be the act of but one. A _contract_ is a formal agreement

between two or more parties for the doing or leaving undone some

specified act or acts, and is ordinarily in writing. Mutual _promises_

may have the force of a _contract_. A consideration, or compensation, is

essential to convert an _agreement_ into a _contract_. A _contract_ may

be oral or written. A _covenant_ in law is a written _contract_ under

seal. _Covenant_ is frequent in religious usage, as _contract_ is in law

and business. _Compact_ is essentially the same as _contract_, but is

applied to international _agreements_, treaties, etc. A _bargain_ is a

mutual _agreement_ for an exchange of values, without the formality of a

_contract_. A _stipulation_ is a single item in an _agreement_ or

_contract_. A _cartel_ is a military _agreement_ for the exchange of

prisoners or the like.

* * * * *

CONTRAST.

Synonyms:

compare, differentiate, discriminate, oppose.

To _compare_ (L. _con_, together, and _par_, equal) is to place together

in order to show likeness or unlikeness; to _contrast_ (L. _contra_,

against, and _sto_, stand) is to set in opposition in order to show

unlikeness. We _contrast_ objects that have been already _compared_. We

must _compare_ them, at least momentarily, even to know that they are

different. We _contrast_ them when we observe their unlikeness in a

general way; we _differentiate_ them when we note the difference exactly

and point by point. We distinguish objects when we note a difference

that may fall short of _contrast_; we _discriminate_ them when we

classify or place them according to their differences.

Preposition:

We contrast one object _with_ another.

* * * * *

CONVERSATION.

Synonyms:

chat, communion, converse, intercourse,

colloquy, confabulation, dialogue, parley,

communication, conference, discourse, talk.

_Conversation_ (Latin _con_, with) is, etymologically, an interchange of

ideas with some other person or persons. _Talk_ may be wholly

one-sided. Many brilliant talkers have been incapable of _conversation_.

There may be _intercourse_ without _conversation_, as by looks, signs,

etc.; _communion_ is of hearts, with or without words; _communication_

is often by writing, and may be uninvited and unreciprocated. _Talk_ may

denote the mere utterance of words with little thought; thus, we say

idle _talk_, empty _talk_, rather than idle or empty _conversation_.

_Discourse_ is now applied chiefly to public addresses. A _conference_

is more formal than a _conversation_. _Dialog_ denotes ordinarily an

artificial or imaginary _conversation_, generally of two persons, but

sometimes of more. A _colloquy_ is indefinite as to number, and

generally somewhat informal. Compare BEHAVIOR.

Prepositions:

Conversation _with_ friends; _between_ or _among_ the guests; _about_ a

matter.

* * * * *

CONVERT.

Synonyms:

disciple, neophyte, proselyte.

The name _disciple_ is given to the follower of a certain faith, without

reference to any previous belief or allegiance; a _convert_ is a person

who has come to one faith from a different belief or from unbelief. A

_proselyte_ is one who has been led to accept a religious system,

whether with or without true faith; a _convert_ is always understood to

be a believer. A _neophyte_ is a new _convert_, not yet fully

indoctrinated, or not admitted to full privileges. The antonyms

_apostate_, _pervert_, and _renegade_ are condemnatory names applied to

the _convert_ by those whose faith he forsakes.

* * * * *

CONVEY.

Synonyms:

carry, give, remove, shift, transmit,

change, move, sell, transfer, transport.

_Convey_, _transmit_, and _transport_ all imply delivery at a

destination; as, I will _convey_ the information to your friend; air

_conveys_ sound (to a listener); _carry_ does not necessarily imply

delivery, and often does not admit of it. A man _carries_ an appearance,

_conveys_ an impression, the appearance remaining his own, the

impression being given to another; I will _transmit_ the letter;

_transport_ the goods. A horse _carries_ his mane and tail, but does not

_convey_ them. _Transfer_ may or may not imply delivery to another

person; as, items may be _transferred_ from one account to another or a

word _transferred_ to the following line. In law, real estate, which can

not be moved, is _conveyed_ by simply _transferring_ title and

possession. _Transport_ usually refers to material, _transfer_,

_transmit_, and _convey_ may refer to immaterial objects; we _transfer_

possession, _transmit_ intelligence, _convey_ ideas, but do not

_transport_ them. In the case of _convey_ the figurative sense now

predominates. Compare CARRY.

Antonyms:

cling to, hold, keep, possess, preserve, retain.

Prepositions:

Convey _to_ a friend, a purchaser, etc.; convey _from_ the house _to_

the station; convey _by_ express, _by_ hand, etc.

* * * * *

CONVOKE.

Synonyms:

assemble, call together, convene, muster,

call, collect, gather, summon.

A convention is _called_ by some officer or officers, as by its

president, its executive committee, or some eminent leaders; the

delegates are _assembled_ or _convened_ in a certain place, at a certain

hour. _Convoke_ implies an organized body and a superior authority;

_assemble_ and _convene_ express more independent action; Parliament is

_convoked_; Congress _assembles_. Troops are _mustered_; witnesses and

jurymen are _summoned_.

Antonyms:

adjourn, disband, dismiss, dissolve, scatter,

break up, discharge, disperse, prorogue, separate.

* * * * *

CRIMINAL.

Synonyms:

abominable, flagitious, immoral, sinful, vile,

culpable, guilty, iniquitous, unlawful, wicked,

felonious, illegal, nefarious, vicious, wrong.

Every _criminal_ act is _illegal_ or _unlawful_, but _illegal_ or

_unlawful_ acts may not be _criminal_. Offenses against public law are

_criminal_; offenses against private rights are merely _illegal_ or

_unlawful_. As a general rule, all acts punishable by fine or

imprisonment or both, are _criminal_ in view of the law. It is _illegal_

for a man to trespass on another's land, but it is not _criminal_; the

trespasser is liable to a civil suit for damages, but not to indictment,

fine, or imprisonment. A _felonious_ act is a _criminal_ act of an

aggravated kind, which is punishable by imprisonment in the penitentiary

or by death. A _flagitious_ crime is one that brings public odium.

_Vicious_ refers to the indulgence of evil appetites, habits, or

passions; _vicious_ acts are not necessarily _criminal_, or even

_illegal_; we speak of a _vicious_ horse. That which is _iniquitous_,

_i. e._, contrary to equity, may sometimes be done under the forms of

law. Ingratitude is _sinful_, hypocrisy is _wicked_, but neither is

punishable by human law; hence, neither is _criminal_ or _illegal_.

Compare SIN.

Antonyms:

innocent, lawful, meritorious, right,

just, legal, moral, virtuous.

* * * * *

DAILY.

Synonym:

diurnal.

_Daily_ is the Saxon and popular, _diurnal_ the Latin and scientific

term. In strict usage, _daily_ is the antonym of _nightly_ as _diurnal_

is of _nocturnal_. _Daily_ is not, however, held strictly to this use; a

physician makes _daily_ visits if he calls at some time within each

period of twenty-four hours. _Diurnal_ is more exact in all its uses; a

_diurnal_ flower opens or blooms only in daylight; a _diurnal_ bird or

animal flies or ranges only by day: in contradistinction to _nocturnal_

flowers, birds, etc. A _diurnal_ motion exactly fills an astronomical

day or the time of one rotation of a planet on its axis, while a _daily_

motion is much less definite.

Antonyms:

nightly, nocturnal.

* * * * *

DANGER.

Synonyms:

hazard, insecurity, jeopardy, peril, risk.

_Danger_ is exposure to possible evil, which may be either near and

probable or remote and doubtful; _peril_ is exposure to imminent and

sharply threatening evil, especially to such as results from violence.

An invalid may be in _danger_ of consumption; a disarmed soldier is in

_peril_ of death. _Jeopardy_ is nearly the same as _peril_, but

involves, like _risk_, more of the element of chance or uncertainty; a

man tried upon a capital charge is said to be put in _jeopardy_ of life.

_Insecurity_ is a feeble word, but exceedingly broad, applying to the

placing of a dish, or the possibilities of a life, a fortune, or a

government. Compare HAZARD.

Antonyms:

defense, immunity, protection, safeguard, safety, security, shelter.

* * * * *

DARK.

Synonyms:

black, dusky, mysterious, sable, somber,

dim, gloomy, obscure, shadowy, swart,

dismal, murky, opaque, shady, swarthy.

Strictly, that which is _black_ is absolutely destitute of color; that

which is _dark_ is absolutely destitute of light. In common speech,

however, a coat is _black_, tho not optically colorless; the night is

_dark_, tho the stars shine. That is _obscure_, _shadowy_, or _shady_

from which the light is more or less cut off. _Dusky_ is applied to

objects which appear as if viewed in fading light; the word is often

used, as are _swart_ and _swarthy_, of the human skin when quite _dark_,

or even verging toward _black_. _Dim_ refers to imperfection of outline,

from distance, darkness, mist, etc., or from some defect of vision.

_Opaque_ objects, as smoked glass, are impervious to light. _Murky_ is

said of that which is at once _dark_, _obscure_, and _gloomy_; as, a

_murky_ den; a _murky_ sky. Figuratively, _dark_ is emblematic of

sadness, agreeing with _somber_, _dismal_, _gloomy_, also of moral evil;

as, a _dark_ deed. Of intellectual matters, _dark_ is now rarely used in

the old sense of a _dark_ saying, etc. See MYSTERIOUS; OBSCURE.

Antonyms:

bright, crystalline, glowing, lucid, shining,

brilliant, dazzling, illumined, luminous, transparent,

clear, gleaming, light, radiant, white.

Compare synonyms for LIGHT.

* * * * *

DECAY.

Synonyms:

corrupt, decompose, molder, putrefy, rot, spoil.

_Rot_ is a strong word, ordinarily esteemed coarse, but on occasion

capable of approved emphatic use; as, "the name of the wicked shall

_rot_," _Prov._ x, 7; _decay_ and _decompose_ are now common euphemisms.

A substance is _decomposed_ when resolved into its original elements by

any process; it is _decayed_ when resolved into its original elements by

natural processes; it _decays_ gradually, but may be instantly

_decomposed_, as water into oxygen and hydrogen; to say that a thing is

_decayed_ may denote only a partial result, but to say it is

_decomposed_ ordinarily implies that the change is complete or nearly

so. _Putrefy_ and the adjectives _putrid_ and _putrescent_, and the

nouns _putridity_ and _putrescence_, are used almost exclusively of

animal matter in a state of decomposition, the more general word _decay_

being used of either animal or vegetable substances.

* * * * *

DECEPTION.

Synonyms:

craft, dissimulation, finesse, lie,

cunning, double-dealing, fraud, lying,

deceit, duplicity, guile, prevarication,

deceitfulness, fabrication, hypocrisy, trickery,

delusion, falsehood, imposition, untruth.

_Deceit_ is the habit, _deception_ the act; _guile_ applies to the

disposition out of which _deceit_ and _deception_ grow, and also to

their actual practise. A _lie_, _lying_, or _falsehood_, is the uttering

of what one knows to be false with intent to deceive. The novel or drama

is not a _lie_, because not meant to deceive; the ancient teaching that

the earth was flat was not a _lie_, because not then known to be false.

_Untruth_ is more than lack of accuracy, implying always lack of

veracity; but it is a somewhat milder and more dignified word than

_lie_. _Falsehood_ and _lying_ are in utterance; _deceit_ and

_deception_ may be merely in act or implication. _Deception_ may be

innocent, and even unintentional, as in the case of an optical illusion;

_deceit_ always involves injurious intent. _Craft_ and _cunning_ have

not necessarily any moral quality; they are common traits of animals,

but stand rather low in the human scale. _Duplicity_ is the habitual

speaking or acting with intent to appear to mean what one does not.

_Dissimulation_ is rather a concealing of what is than a pretense of

what is not. _Finesse_ is simply an adroit and delicate management of a

matter for one's own side, not necessarily involving _deceit_. Compare

ARTIFICE; FICTION; FRAUD; HYPOCRISY.

Antonyms:

candor, frankness, honesty, simplicity, truth,

fair dealing, guilelessness, openness, sincerity, veracity.

* * * * *

DEFENSE.

Synonyms:

apology, guard, rampart, shelter,

bulwark, justification, resistance, shield,

fortress, protection, safeguard, vindication.

The weak may speak or act in _defense_ of the strong; none but the

powerful can assure others of _protection_. A _defense_ is ordinarily

against actual attack; _protection_ is against possible as well as

actual dangers. We speak of _defense_ against an assault, _protection_

from the cold. _Vindication_ is a triumphant _defense_ of character and

conduct against charges of error or wrong. Compare APOLOGY.

Antonyms:

abandonment, betrayal, capitulation, desertion, flight, surrender.

Prepositions:

Defense _against_ assault or assailants; in law, defense _to_ an action,

_from_ the testimony.

* * * * *

DEFILE.

Synonyms:

befoul, corrupt, pollute, spoil, sully, tarnish,

contaminate, infect, soil, stain, taint, vitiate.

The hand may be _defiled_ by a touch of pitch; swine that have been

wallowing in the mud are _befouled_. _Contaminate_ and _infect_ refer to

something evil that deeply pervades and permeates, as the human body or

mind. _Pollute_ is used chiefly of liquids; as, water _polluted_ with

sewage. _Tainted_ meat is repulsive; _infected_ meat contains germs of

disease. A _soiled_ garment may be cleansed by washing; a _spoiled_

garment is beyond cleansing or repair. Bright metal is _tarnished_ by

exposure; a fair sheet is _sullied_ by a dirty hand. In figurative use,

_defile_ may be used merely in the ceremonial sense; "they themselves

went not into the judgment hall, lest they should be _defiled_," _John_

xviii, 28; _contaminate_ refers to deep spiritual injury. _Pollute_ has

also a reference to sacrilege; as, to _pollute_ a sanctuary, an altar,

or an ordinance. The innocent are often _contaminated_ by association

with the wicked; the vicious are more and more _corrupted_ by their own

excesses. We speak of a _vitiated_ taste or style; fraud _vitiates_ a

title or a contract.

Antonyms:

clean, cleanse, disinfect, hallow, purify, sanctify, wash.

Prepositions:

The temple was defiled _with_ blood; defiled _by_ sacrilegious deeds.

* * * * *

DEFINITION.

Synonyms:

comment, description, exposition, rendering,

commentary, explanation, interpretation, translation.

A _definition_ is exact, an _explanation_ general; a _definition_ is

formal, a _description_ pictorial. A _definition_ must include all that

belongs to the object defined, and exclude all that does not; a

_description_ may include only some general features; an _explanation_

may simply throw light upon some point of special difficulty. An

_exposition_ undertakes to state more fully what is compactly given or

only implied in the text; as, an _exposition_ of Scripture.

_Interpretation_ is ordinarily from one language into another, or from

the language of one period into that of another; it may also be a

statement giving the doubtful or hidden meaning of that which is

recondite or perplexing; as, the _interpretation_ of a dream, a riddle,

or of some difficult passage. _Definition_, _explanation_, _exposition_,

and _interpretation_ are ordinarily blended in a _commentary_, which may

also include _description_. A _comment_ is upon a single passage; a

_commentary_ may be the same, but is usually understood to be a volume

of _comments_.

* * * * *

DELEGATE.

Synonyms:

deputy, legate, proxy, representative, substitute.

These words agree in designating one who acts in the place of some other

or others. The _legate_ is an ecclesiastical officer representing the

Pope. In strict usage the _deputy_ or _delegate_ is more limited in

functions and more closely bound by instructions than a

_representative_. A single officer may have a _deputy_; many persons

combine to choose a _delegate_ or _representative_. In the United States

informal assemblies send _delegates_ to nominating conventions with no

legislative authority; _representatives_ are legally elected to Congress

and the various legislatures, with lawmaking power.

* * * * *

DELIBERATE.

Synonyms:

confer, consult, meditate, reflect,

consider, debate, ponder, weigh.

An individual _considers_, _meditates_, _ponders_, _reflects_, by

himself; he _weighs_ a matter in his own mind, and is sometimes said

even to _debate_ with himself. _Consult_ and _confer_ always imply two

or more persons, as does _debate_, unless expressly limited as above.

_Confer_ suggests the interchange of counsel, advice, or information;

_consult_ indicates almost exclusively the receiving of it. A man

_confers_ with his associates about a new investment; he _consults_ his

physician about his health; he may _confer_ with him on matters of

general interest. He _consults_ a dictionary, but does not _confer_ with

it. _Deliberate_, which can be applied to a single individual, is also

the word for a great number, while _consult_ is ordinarily limited to a

few; a committee _consults_; an assembly _deliberates_. _Deliberating_

always carries the idea of slowness; _consulting_ is compatible with

haste; we can speak of a hasty consultation, not of a hasty

deliberation. _Debate_ implies opposing views; _deliberate_, simply a

gathering and balancing of all facts and reasons. We _consider_ or

_deliberate_ with a view to action, while _meditation_ may be quite

purposeless.

Prepositions:

We deliberate _on_ or _upon_, also _about_ or _concerning_ a matter: the

first two are preferable.

* * * * *

DELICIOUS.

Synonyms:

dainty, delightful, exquisite, luscious, savory.

That is _delicious_ which affords a gratification at once vivid and

delicate to the senses, especially to those of taste and smell; as,

_delicious_ fruit; a _delicious_ odor; _luscious_ has a kindred but more

fulsome meaning, inclining toward a cloying excess of sweetness or

richness. _Savory_ is applied chiefly to cooked food made palatable by

spices and condiments. _Delightful_ may be applied to the higher

gratifications of sense, as _delightful_ music, but is chiefly used for

that which is mental and spiritual. _Delicious_ has a limited use in

this way; as, a _delicious_ bit of poetry; the word is sometimes used

ironically for some pleasing absurdity; as, this is _delicious_! Compare

DELIGHTFUL.

Antonyms:

acrid, loathsome, nauseous, repulsive, unpalatable, unsavory.

bitter,

* * * * *

DELIGHTFUL.

Synonyms:

acceptable, delicious, pleasant, refreshing,

agreeable, grateful, pleasing, satisfying,

congenial, gratifying, pleasurable, welcome.

_Agreeable_ refers to whatever gives a mild degree of pleasure; as, an

_agreeable_ perfume. _Acceptable_ indicates a thing to be worthy of

acceptance; as, an _acceptable_ offering. _Grateful_ is stronger than

_agreeable_ or _gratifying_, indicating whatever awakens a feeling akin

to gratitude. A _pleasant_ face and _pleasing_ manners arouse

_pleasurable_ sensations, and make the possessor an _agreeable_

companion; if possessed of intelligence, vivacity, and goodness, such a

person's society will be _delightful_. Criminals may find each other's

company _congenial_, but scarcely _delightful_. _Satisfying_ denotes

anything that is received with calm acquiescence, as substantial food,

or established truth. That is _welcome_ which is received with joyful

heartiness; as, _welcome_ tidings. Compare BEAUTIFUL; CHARMING;

DELICIOUS.

Antonyms:

depressing, hateful, miserable, painful, woful,

disappointing, horrible, mournful, saddening, wretched.

distressing, melancholy,

* * * * *

DELUSION.

Synonyms:

error, fallacy, hallucination, illusion, phantasm.

A _delusion_ is a mistaken conviction, an _illusion_ a mistaken

perception or inference. An _illusion_ may be wholly of the senses; a

_delusion_ always involves some mental error. In an optical _illusion_

the observer sees either what does not exist, or what exists otherwise

than as he sees it, as when in a mirage distant springs and trees appear

close at hand. We speak of the _illusions_ of fancy or of hope, but of

the _delusions_ of the insane. A _hallucination_ is a false image or

belief which has nothing, outside of the disordered mind, to suggest it;

as, the _hallucinations_ of delirium tremens. Compare DECEPTION;

INSANITY.

Antonyms:

actuality, certainty, fact, reality, truth, verity.

* * * * *

DEMOLISH.

Synonyms:

destroy, overthrow, overturn, raze, ruin.

A building, monument, or other structure is _demolished_ when reduced to

a shapeless mass; it is _razed_ when leveled with the ground; it is

_destroyed_ when its structural unity is gone, whether or not its

component parts remain. An edifice is _destroyed_ by fire or earthquake;

it is _demolished_ by bombardment; it is _ruined_ when, by violence or

neglect, it has become unfit for human habitation. Compare ABOLISH;

BREAK.

Antonyms:

build, construct, create, make, repair, restore.

* * * * *

DEMONSTRATION.

Synonyms:

certainty, consequence, evidence, inference,

conclusion, deduction, induction, proof.

_Demonstration_, in the strict and proper sense, is the highest form of

_proof_, and gives the most absolute _certainty_, but can not be applied

outside of pure mathematics or other strictly deductive reasoning; there

can be _proof_ and _certainty_, however, in matters that do not admit of

_demonstration_. A _conclusion_ is the absolute and necessary result of

the admission of certain premises; an _inference_ is a probable

_conclusion_ toward which known facts, statements, or admissions point,

but which they do not absolutely establish; sound premises, together

with their necessary _conclusion_, constitute a _demonstration_.

_Evidence_ is that which tends to show a thing to be true; in the

widest sense, as including self-_evidence_ or consciousness, it is the

basis of all knowledge. _Proof_ in the strict sense is complete,

irresistible _evidence_; as, there was much _evidence_ against the

accused, but not amounting to _proof_ of guilt. Moral _certainty_ is a

conviction resting on such _evidence_ as puts a matter beyond reasonable

doubt, while not so irresistible as _demonstration_. Compare HYPOTHESIS;

INDUCTION.

* * * * *

DESIGN.

Synonyms:

aim, final cause, object, proposal,

device, intent, plan, purpose,

end, intention, project, scheme.

_Design_ refers to the adaptation of means to an _end_, the

correspondence and coordination of parts, or of separate acts, to

produce a result; _intent_ and _purpose_ overleap all particulars, and

fasten on the _end_ itself. _Intention_ is simply the more familiar form

of the legal and philosophical _intent_. _Plan_ relates to details of

form, structure, and action, in themselves; _design_ considers these

same details all as a means to an _end_. The _plan_ of a campaign may be

for a series of sharp attacks, with the _design_ of thus surprising and

overpowering the enemy. A man comes to a fixed _intention_ to kill his

enemy; he forms a _plan_ to entrap him into his power, with the _design_

of then compassing his death; as the law can not read the heart, it can

only infer the _intent_ from the evidences of _design_. _Intent_ denotes

a straining, stretching forth toward an _object_; _purpose_ simply the

placing it before oneself; hence, we speak of the _purpose_ rather than

the _intent_ or _intention_ of God. We hold that the marks of _design_

in nature prove it the work of a great Designer. _Intention_

contemplates the possibility of failure; _purpose_ looks to assured

success; _intent_ or _intention_ refers especially to the state of mind

of the actor; _purpose_ to the result of the action. Compare AIM; CAUSE;

IDEA; MODEL.

Prepositions:

The design _of_ defrauding; the design _of_ a building; a design _for_ a

statue.

* * * * *

DESIRE.

Synonyms:

appetency, concupiscence, hankering, proclivity,

appetite, coveting, inclination, propensity,

aspiration, craving, longing, wish.

_Inclination_ is the mildest of these terms; it is a quiet, or even a

vague or unconscious, tendency. Even when we speak of a strong or

decided _inclination_ we do not express the intensity of _desire_.

_Desire_ has a wide range, from the highest objects to the lowest;

_desire_ is for an object near at hand, or near in thought, and viewed

as attainable; a _wish_ may be for what is remote or uncertain, or even

for what is recognized as impossible. _Craving_ is stronger than

_hankering_; _hankering_ may be the result of a fitful and capricious

_appetite_; _craving_ may be the imperious and reasonable demand of the

whole nature. _Longing_ is a reaching out with deep and persistent

demand for that which is viewed as now distant but at some time

attainable; as, the captive's _longing_ for release. _Coveting_

ordinarily denotes wrong _desire_ for that which is another's. Compare

APPETITE.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for ANTIPATHY.

Prepositions:

The desire _of_ fame; a desire _for_ excellence.

* * * * *

DESPAIR.

Synonyms:

desperation, despondency, discouragement, hopelessness.

_Discouragement_ is the result of so much repulse or failure as wears

out courage. _Discouragements_ too frequent and long continued may

produce a settled _hopelessness_. _Hopelessness_ is negative, and may

result from simple apathy; _despondency_ and _despair_ are more emphatic

and decided. _Despondency_ is an incapacity for the present exercise of

hope; _despair_ is the utter abandonment of hope. _Despondency_ relaxes

energy and effort and is always attended with sadness or distress;

_despair_ may produce a stony calmness, or it may lead to _desperation_.

_Desperation_ is energized _despair_, vigorous in action, reckless of

consequences.

Antonyms:

anticipation, confidence, encouragement, expectation, hopefulness,

assurance, courage, expectancy, hope, trust.

cheer, elation,

* * * * *

DEXTERITY.

Synonyms:

adroitness, aptitude, cleverness, expertness, readiness, skill.

_Adroitness_ (F. _a_, to, and _droit_, right) and _dexterity_ (L.

_dexter_, right, right-hand) might each be rendered "right-handedness;"

but _adroitness_ carries more of the idea of eluding, parrying, or

checking some hostile movement, or taking advantage of another in

controversy; _dexterity_ conveys the idea of doing, accomplishing

something readily and well, without reference to any action of others.

We speak of _adroitness_ in fencing, boxing, or debate; of _dexterity_

in horsemanship, in the use of tools, weapons, etc. _Aptitude_ (L.

_aptus_, fit, fitted) is a natural _readiness_, which by practise may be

developed into _dexterity_. _Skill_ is more exact to line, rule, and

method than _dexterity_. _Dexterity_ can not be communicated, and,

oftentimes can not even be explained by its possessor; _skill_ to a very

great extent can be imparted; "_skilled_ workmen" in various trades are

numbered by thousands. Compare ADDRESS; CLEVER; POWER; SKILFUL.

Prepositions:

Dexterity _of_ hand, _of_ movement, _of_ management; _with_ the pen;

_in_ action, _in_ manipulating men; _at_ cards.

* * * * *

DICTION.

Synonyms:

expression, phrase, style, vocabulary,

language, phraseology, verbiage, wording.

An author's _diction_ is strictly his choice and use of words, with no

special reference to thought; _expression_ regards the words simply as

the vehicle of the thought. _Phrase_ and _phraseology_ apply to words or

combinations of words which are somewhat technical; as, in legal

_phraseology_; in military _phrase_. _Diction_ is general; _wording_ is

limited; we speak of the _diction_ of an author or of a work, the

_wording_ of a proposition, of a resolution, etc. _Verbiage_ never bears

this sense (see CIRCUMLOCUTION.) The _language_ of a writer or speaker

may be the national speech he employs; as, the English or French

_language_; or the word may denote his use of that _language_; as, the

author's _language_ is well (or ill) chosen. _Style_ includes _diction_,

_expression_, rhetorical figures such as metaphor and simile, the effect

of an author's prevailing tone of thought, of his personal traits--in

short, all that makes up the clothing of thought in words; thus, we

speak of a figurative _style_, a frigid or an argumentative _style_,

etc., or of the _style_ of Macaulay, Prescott, or others. An author's

_vocabulary_ is the range of words which he brings into his use. Compare

LANGUAGE.

* * * * *

DIE.

Synonyms:

cease, decline, expire, perish,

decease, depart, fade, wither.

_Die_, to go out of life, become destitute of vital power and action,

is figuratively applied to anything which has the appearance of life.

Where the _dying_ night-lamp flickers.

TENNYSON _Locksley Hall_ st. 40.

An echo, a strain of music, a tempest, a topic, an issue, _dies_.

_Expire_ (literally, to breathe out) is a softer word for _die_; it is

used figuratively of things that _cease_ to exist by reaching a natural

limit; as, a lease _expires_; the time has _expired_. To _perish_

(literally, in Latin, to go through, as in English we say, "the fire

goes out") is oftenest used of death by privation or exposure; as, "I

_perish_ with hunger," _Luke_ xv, 17; sometimes, of death by violence.

Knowledge and fame, art and empires, may be said to _perish_; the word

denotes utter destruction and decay.

Antonyms:

be born, come into being, flourish, rise again,

begin, come to life, grow, rise from the dead,

be immortal, exist, live, survive.

Prepositions:

To die _of_ fever; _by_ violence; rarely, _with_ the sword, famine, etc.

(_Ezek._ vii, 15); to die _for_ one's country; to die _at_ sea; _in_

one's bed; _in_ agony; die _to_ the world.

* * * * *

DIFFERENCE.

Synonyms:

contrariety, discrimination, distinction, inequality,

contrast, disparity, divergence, unlikeness,

disagreement, dissimilarity, diversity, variation,

discrepancy, dissimilitude, inconsistency, variety.

_Difference_ is the state or quality of being unlike or the amount of

such unlikeness. A _difference_ is in the things compared; a

_discrimination_ is in our judgment of them; a _distinction_ is in our

definition or description or mental image of them. Careful

_discrimination_ of real _differences_ results in clear _distinctions_.

_Disparity_ is stronger than _inequality_, implying that one thing falls

far below another; as, the _disparity_ of our achievements when compared

with our ideals. _Dissimilarity_ is between things sharply contrasted;

there may be a _difference_ between those almost alike. There is a

_discrepancy_ in accounts that fail to balance. _Variety_ involves more

than two objects; so, in general, does _diversity_; _variation_ is a

_difference_ in the condition or action of the same object at different

times. _Disagreement_ is not merely the lack, but the opposite, of

agreement; it is a mild word for opposition and conflict; _difference_

is sometimes used in the same sense.

Antonyms:

agreement, harmony, likeness, sameness, uniformity,

consonance, identity, resemblance, similarity, unity.

Prepositions:

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.

* * * * *

DIFFICULT.

Synonyms:

arduous, hard, onerous, toilsome,

exhausting, laborious, severe, trying.

_Arduous_ (L. _arduus_, steep) signifies primarily so steep and lofty as

to be difficult of ascent, and hence applies to that which involves

great and sustained exertion and ordinarily for a lofty aim; great

learning can only be won by _arduous_ toil. _Hard_ applies to anything

that resists our endeavors as a scarcely penetrable mass resists our

physical force. Anything is _hard_ that involves tax and strain whether

of the physical or mental powers. _Difficult_ is not used of that which

merely taxes physical force; a dead lift is called _hard_ rather than

_difficult_; breaking stone on the road would be called _hard_ rather

than _difficult_ work; that is _difficult_ which involves skill,

sagacity, or address, with or without a considerable expenditure of

physical force; a geometrical problem may be _difficult_ to solve, a

tangled skein to unravel; a mountain _difficult_ to ascend. _Hard_ may

be active or passive; a thing may be _hard_ to do or _hard_ to bear.

_Arduous_ is always active. That which is _laborious_ or _toilsome_

simply requires the steady application of labor or toil till

accomplished; _toilsome_ is the stronger word. That which is _onerous_

(L. _onus_, a burden) is mentally burdensome or oppressive.

Responsibility may be _onerous_ even when it involves no special

exertion.

Antonyms:

easy, facile, light, pleasant, slight, trifling, trivial.

* * * * *

DIRECTION.

Synonyms:

aim, bearing, course, inclination, tendency, way.

The _direction_ of an object is the line of motion or of vision toward

it, or the line in which the object is moving, considered from our own

actual or mental standpoint. _Way_, literally the road or path, comes

naturally to mean the _direction_ of the road or path; conversationally,

_way_ is almost a perfect synonym of _direction_; as, which _way_ did he

go? or, in which _direction_? _Bearing_ is the _direction_ in which an

object is seen with reference to another, and especially with reference

to the points of the compass. _Course_ is the _direction_ of a moving

object; _inclination_, that toward which a stationary object leans;

_tendency_, the _direction_ toward which anything stretches or reaches

out; _tendency_ is stronger and more active than _inclination_. Compare

AIM; CARE; ORDER; OVERSIGHT.

* * * * *

DISCERN.

Synonyms:

behold, discriminate, observe, recognize,

descry, distinguish, perceive, see.

What we _discern_ we _see_ apart from all other objects; what we

_discriminate_ we judge apart; what we _distinguish_ we mark apart, or

recognize by some special mark or manifest difference. We _discriminate_

by real differences; we _distinguish_ by outward signs; an officer is

readily _distinguished_ from a common soldier by his uniform. Objects

may be dimly _discerned_ at twilight, when yet we can not clearly

_distinguish_ one from another. We _descry_ (originally _espy_) what is

difficult to discover. Compare DISCOVER; LOOK.

* * * * *

DISCOVER.

Synonyms:

ascertain, detect, disclose, ferret out, find out,

descry, discern, expose, find, invent.

Of human actions or character, _detect_ is used, almost without

exception, in a bad sense; _discover_ may be used in either the good or

the bad sense, oftener in the good; he was _detected_ in a fraud; real

merit is sure to be _discovered_. In scientific language, _detect_ is

used of delicate indications that appear in course of careful watching;

as, a slight fluttering of the pulse could be _detected_. We _discover_

what has existed but has not been known to us; we _invent_ combinations

or arrangements not before in use; Columbus _discovered_ America; Morse

_invented_ the electric telegraph. _Find_ is the most general word for

every means of coming to know what was not before certainly known. A man

_finds_ in the road some stranger's purse, or _finds_ his own which he

is searching for. The expert _discovers_ or _detects_ an error in an

account; the auditor _finds_ the account to be correct. Compare DISCERN.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for HIDE.

* * * * *

DISEASE.

Synonyms:

affection, disorder, indisposition, sickness,

ailment, distemper, infirmity, unhealthiness,

complaint, illness, malady, unsoundness.

_Disease_ is the general term for any deviation from health; in a more

limited sense it denotes some definite morbid condition; _disorder_ and

_affection_ are rather partial and limited; as, a nervous _affection_; a

_disorder_ of the digestive system. _Sickness_ was generally used in

English speech and literature, till the close of the eighteenth century

at least, for every form of physical _disorder_, as abundantly appears

in the English Bible: "Jesus went about ... healing all manner of

_sickness_ and all manner of _disease_ among the people," _Matt._ iv,

23; "Elisha was fallen _sick_ of his _sickness_ whereof he died," _2

Kings_ xiii, 14. There is now, in England, a tendency to restrict the

words _sick_ and _sickness_ to nausea, or "_sickness_ at the stomach,"

and to hold _ill_ and _illness_ as the only proper words to use in a

general sense. This distinction has received but a very limited

acceptance in the United States, where _sick_ and _sickness_ have the

earlier and wider usage. We speak of trifling _ailments_, a slight

_indisposition_, a serious or a deadly _disease_; a slight or severe

_illness_; a painful _sickness_. _Complaint_ is a popular term, which

may be applied to any degree of ill health, slight or severe.

_Infirmity_ denotes a chronic or lingering weakness or disability, as

blindness or lameness.

Antonyms:

health, robustness, soundness, strength, sturdiness, vigor.

* * * * *

DISPARAGE.

Synonyms:

belittle, depreciate, discredit, underestimate,

carp at, derogate from, dishonor, underrate,

decry, detract from, lower, undervalue.

To _decry_ is to cry down, in some noisy, public, or conspicuous manner.

A witness or a statement is _discredited_; the currency is

_depreciated_; a good name is _dishonored_ by unworthy conduct; we

_underestimate_ in our own minds; we may _underrate_ or _undervalue_ in

statement to others. These words are used, with few exceptions, of

things such as qualities, merits, attainments, etc. To _disparage_ is to

_belittle_ by damaging comparison or suggestion; it is used only of

things. A man's achievements are _disparaged_, his motives

_depreciated_, his professions _discredited_; he himself is calumniated,

slandered, etc. Compare SLANDER.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for PRAISE.

* * * * *

DISPLACE.

Synonyms:

confuse, derange, disturb, mislay, remove,

crowd out, disarrange, jumble, misplace, unsettle.

Objects are _displaced_ when moved out of the place they have occupied;

they are _misplaced_ when put into a place where they should not be. One

may know where to find what he has _misplaced_; what he has _mislaid_ he

can not locate.

Antonyms:

adjust, assort, dispose, order, put in order, set in order,

array, classify, group, place, put in place, sort.

* * * * *

DO.

Synonyms:

accomplish, carry out, discharge, perform,

achieve, carry through, effect, perpetrate,

actualize, commit, execute, realize,

bring about, complete, finish, transact,

bring to pass, consummate, fulfil, work out.