QUESTIONS AND EXAMPLES.
* * * * *
ABANDON (page 1).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what objects or classes of objects does _abandon_ apply?
_abdicate_? _cede_? _quit_? _resign_? _surrender_? 2. Is _abandon_ used
in the favorable or unfavorable sense? _desert_ favorable or
unfavorable? _forsake_? 3. What does _abandon_ commonly denote of
previous relationship? _forsake_?
EXAMPLES.
The soldiers ---- his standard in such numbers that the commander
found it necessary to ---- the enterprise.
France was compelled to ---- Alsace and Lorraine to Germany.
In the height of his power Charles V. ---- the throne.
Finding resistance vain, the defenders agreed to ---- the fortress.
To the surprise of his friends, Senator Conkling suddenly ---- his
office.
At the stroke of the bell, the men instantly ---- work.
* * * * *
ABASE (page 2).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _abase_ differ from _debase_? _humble_ from _humiliate_?
_degrade_ from _disgrace_?
EXAMPLES.
To provide funds, the king resolved to ---- the coinage.
He came from the scene of his disgrace, haughty and defiant, ----
but not ----.
The officer who had ---- himself by cowardice was ---- to the ranks.
Only the base in spirit will ---- themselves before wealth, rank,
and power.
The messenger was so ---- that no heed was paid to his message.
* * * * *
ABASH (page 3).
QUESTIONS.
1. What has the effect to make one _abashed_? 2. How does _confuse_
differ from _abash_? 3. What do we mean when we say that a person is
_mortified_? 4. Give an instance of the use of _mortified_ where
_abashed_ could not be substituted. Why could not the words be
interchanged? 5. Can one be _daunted_ who is not _abashed_? 6. Is
_embarrass_ or _mortify_ the stronger word? Give instances.
EXAMPLES.
The peasant stood ---- in the royal presence.
The numerous questions ---- the witness.
The speaker was ---- for a moment, but quickly recovered himself.
At the revelation of such depravity, I was utterly ----.
When sensible of his error, the visitor was deeply ----.
* * * * *
ABBREVIATION (page 4).
QUESTIONS.
1. Is an _abbreviation_ always a _contraction_? 2. Is a _contraction_
always an _abbreviation_? Give instances. 3. Can we have an
_abbreviation_ of a book, paragraph, or sentence? What can be
_abbreviated_? and what _abridged_?
EXAMPLES.
The treatise was already so brief that it did not admit of ----.
The ---- Dr. is used both for Doctor and Debtor.
F. R. S. is an ---- of the title "Fellow of the Royal Society."
* * * * *
ABET (page 4).
QUESTIONS.
1. _Abet_, _incite_, _instigate_: which of these words are used in a
good and which in a bad sense? 2. How does _abet_ differ from _incite_
and _instigate_ as to the time of the action? 3. Which of the three
words apply to persons and which to actions? Give instances of the use
of _abet_; _instigate_; _incite_.
EXAMPLES.
To further his own schemes, he ---- the viceroy to rebel against the
king.
To ---- a crime may be worse than to originate it, as arguing less
excitement and more calculation and cowardice.
The prosecution was evidently malicious, ---- by envy and revenge.
And you that do ---- him in this kind
Cherish rebellion, and are rebels all.
* * * * *
ABHOR (page 5).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which is the stronger word, _abhor_ or _despise_? 2. What does
_abhor_ denote? 3. How does Archbishop Trench illustrate the difference
between _abhor_ and _shun_? 4. What does _detest_ express? 5. What does
_loathe_ imply? Is it physical or moral in its application? 6. Give
illustrations of the appropriate uses of the above words.
EXAMPLES.
He had sunk to such degradation as to be utterly ---- by all good
men.
Such weakness can only be ----.
Talebearers and backbiters are everywhere ----.
---- that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.
* * * * *
ABIDE (page 5).
QUESTIONS.
1. What limit of time is expressed by _abide_? by _lodge_? by _live_,
_dwell_, _reside_? 2. What is the meaning of _sojourn_? 3. Should we say
one is _stopping_ or _staying_ at a hotel? and why? 4. Give examples of
the extended, and of the limited use of _abide_.
EXAMPLES.
One generation passeth away and another generation cometh, but the
earth ---- forever.
And there were in the same country shepherds ---- in the field,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
So great was the crowd of visitors that many were compelled to ----
in the neighboring villages.
He is ---- at the Albemarle.
He has ---- for forty years in the same house.
By faith he ---- in the land of promise, as in a strange country.
* * * * *
ABOLISH (page 6).
QUESTIONS.
1. Is _abolish_ used of persons or material objects? 2. Of what is it
used? Give examples. 3. What does _annihilate_ signify? Is it stronger
or weaker than _abolish_? 4. What terms do we use for doing away with
_laws_, and how do those terms differ among themselves? 5. What are the
differences between _overthrow_, _suppress_, and _subvert_? especially
between the last two of those words? 6. How does _prohibit_ differ from
_abolish_? 7. What word do we especially use of putting an end to a
nuisance? 8. What other words of this class are especially referred to?
9. Give some antonyms of _abolish_.
EXAMPLES.
The one great endeavor of Buddhism is to ---- sorrow.
Modern science seems to show conclusively that matter is never ----.
The law, which had long been ---- by the revolutionists, was at last
---- by the legislature.
The ancient statute was found to have been ---- by later enactments,
though never formally ----.
The Supreme Court ---- the adverse decision of the inferior
tribunal.
Even in a republic, sedition should be promptly ----, or it may
result in the ---- of free institutions.
From the original settlement of Vineland, New Jersey, the sale of
intoxicating liquor has been ----.
* * * * *
ABOMINATION (page 7).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what was _abomination_ originally applied? 2. Does it refer to a
state of mind or to some act or other object of thought? 3. How does
_abomination_ differ from _aversion_ or _disgust_? 4. How does an
_abomination_ differ from an _offense_? from crime in general?
EXAMPLES.
After the ship began to pitch and roll, we could not look upon food
without ----.
It is time that such a ---- should be abated.
Capital punishment was formerly inflicted in England for trivial
----.
In spite of their high attainments in learning and art, the foulest
---- were prevalent among the Greeks and Romans of classic
antiquity.
* * * * *
ABRIDGMENT (page 7).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does an _abridgment_ differ from an _outline_ or a _synopsis_?
from an _abstract_ or _digest_? 2. How does an _abstract_ or _digest_
differ from an _outline_ or a _synopsis_? 3. Does an _analysis_ of a
treatise deal with what is expressed, or with what is implied? 4. What
words may we use to express a condensed view of a subject, whether
derived from a previous publication or not?
EXAMPLES.
The New Testament may be regarded as an ---- of religion.
There are several excellent ---- of English literature.
An ---- of the decision of the court was published in all the
leading papers.
The publishers determined to issue an ---- of their dictionary.
Such ---- as U. S. for United States should be rarely used, unless
in hasty writing or technical works.
* * * * *
ABSOLUTE (page 8).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _absolute_ in the strict sense denote? _supreme_? 2. To
what are these words in such sense properly applied? 3. How are they
used in a modified sense? 4. Is _arbitrary_ ever used in a good sense?
What is the chief use? Give examples. 5. How does _autocratic_ differ
from _arbitrary_? both these words from _despotic_? _despotic_ from
_tyrannical_? 6. Is _irresponsible_ good or bad in its implication?
_arbitrary_? _imperative_? _imperious_? _peremptory_? _positive_?
_authoritative_?
EXAMPLES.
God alone is ---- and ----.
The Czar of Russia is an ---- ruler.
---- power tends always to be ---- in its exercise.
On all questions of law in the United States the decision of the
---- Court is ---- and final.
Learning of the attack on our seamen, the government sent an ----
demand for apology and indemnity.
Man's ---- will and ---- intellect have given him dominion over all
other creatures on the earth, so that they are either subjugated or
exterminated.
* * * * *
ABSOLVE (page 9).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the original sense of _absolve_? 2. To what does it apply? 3.
What is its special sense when used with reference to sins? 4. How does
it differ from _acquit_? _forgive_? _justify_? _pardon_? 5. What are the
chief antonyms of _absolve_?
EXAMPLES.
No power under heaven can ---- a man from his personal
responsibility.
When the facts were known, he was ---- of all blame.
* * * * *
ABSORB (page 9).
QUESTIONS.
1. When is a fluid said to be _absorbed_? 2. Is the substance of the
_absorbing_ body changed by that which it _absorbs_? Give instances. 3.
How does _consume_ differ from _absorb_? 4. Give instances of the
distinctive uses of _engross_, _swallow_, _imbibe_, and _absorb_ in the
figurative sense. 5. What is the difference between _absorb_ and _emit_?
_absorb_ and _radiate_?
EXAMPLES.
Tho the fuel was rapidly ---- within the furnace, very little heat
was ---- from the outer surface.
In setting steel rails special provision must be made for their
expansion under the influence of the heat that they ----.
Jip stood on the table and barked at Traddles so persistently that
he may be said to have ---- the conversation.
* * * * *
ABSTINENCE (page 10).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _abstinence_ differ from _abstemiousness_? from
_self-denial_? 2. What is _temperance_ regarding things lawful and
worthy? regarding things vicious and injurious? 3. What is the more
exact term for the proper course regarding evil indulgences?
EXAMPLES.
He was so moderate in his desires that his ---- seemed to cost him
no ----.
Among the Anglo-Saxons the idea of universal and total ---- from all
intoxicants is little more than a century old.
* * * * *
ABSTRACT, _v._; ABSTRACTED (page 10, 11).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _abstract_ and _separate_? between
_discriminate_ and _distinguish_?[C] 2. How does _abstract_, when said
of the mind, differ from _divert_? from _distract_? 3. How do
_abstracted_, _absorbed_, and _preoccupied_ differ from _absent-minded_?
4. Can one who is _preoccupied_ be said to be _listless_ or
_thoughtless_? one who is _absent-minded_?
EXAMPLES.
He was so ---- with these perplexities as to be completely ---- of
his surroundings.
The busy student may be excused if ----; in the merely ---- or ----
it is intolerable.
The power to ---- one idea from all its associations and view it
alone is the ---- mark of a philosophical mind.
Numerous interruptions in the midst of ---- occupations had made him
almost ----.
[C] NOTE. See these words under DISCERN as referred to at the end of the
paragraph on ABSTRACT in Part I. The pupil should be instructed, in all
cases, to look up and read over the synonyms referred to by the words in
small capitals at the end of the paragraph in Part I.
* * * * *
ABSURD (page 11).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _absurd_ and _paradoxical_? 2. What
are the distinctions between _irrational_, _foolish_, and _silly_? 3.
What is the especial implication in _unreasonable_? 4. How do
_monstrous_ and _preposterous_ compare with _absurd_? 5. What is the
especial element common to the _ludicrous_, the _ridiculous_, and the
_nonsensical_? 6. What are some chief antonyms of _absurd_?
EXAMPLES.
A statement may be disproved by deducing logically from it a
conclusion that is ----.
Carlyle delighted in ---- utterances.
The ---- hatred of the Jews in the Middle Ages led the populace to
believe the most ---- slanders concerning them.
I attempted to dissuade him from the ---- plan, but found him
altogether ----; many of his arguments were so ---- as to be
positively ----.
* * * * *
ABUSE (page 12).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what does _abuse_ apply? 2. How does _abuse_ differ from _damage_
(as in the case of rented property, _e. g._)? 3. How does _abuse_ differ
from _harm_? 4. What words of this group are used in a bad sense? 5. Is
_reproach_ good or bad? 6. How do _persecute_ and _oppress_ differ? 7.
Do _misemploy_, _misuse_, and _pervert_ apply to persons or things? To
which does _abuse_ apply?
EXAMPLES.
The tenant shall not ---- the property beyond reasonable wear.
---- intellectual gifts make the dangerous villain.
In his rage he began to ---- and ---- all who had formerly been his
friends.
To be ---- for doing right can never really ---- a true man.
In no way has man ---- his fellow man more cruelly than by ---- him
for his religious belief.
* * * * *
ACCESSORY, _n._ (page 13).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which words of this group are used in a good, and which in a bad
sense? 2. Which are indifferently either good or bad? 3. To what does
_ally_ generally apply? _colleague_? 4. How does an _associate_ compare
in rank with a principal? 5. Is _assistant_ or _attendant_ the higher
word? How do both these words compare with _associate_? 6. In what sense
are _follower_, _henchman_, and _retainer_ used? _partner_? 7. What is
the legal distinction between _abettor_ and _accessory_? 8. To what is
_accomplice_ nearly equivalent? Which is the preferred legal term?
EXAMPLES.
The Senator differed with his ---- in this matter.
The baron rode into town with a great array of armed ----.
France and Russia seem to have become firm ----.
The ---- called to the ---- for a fresh bandage.
All persons, but especially the young, should take the greatest care
in the choice of their ----.
As he was not present at the actual commission of the crime, he was
held to be only an ---- and not an ----.
* * * * *
ACCIDENT (page 14).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _accident_ and _chance_? 2. How does
_incident_ differ from both? 3. What is the special significance of
_fortune_? 4. How does it differ in usage from _chance_? 5. How are
_accident_, _misadventure_, and _mishap_ distinguished?
EXAMPLES.
Gambling clings almost inseparably to games of ----.
Bruises and contusions are regarded as ordinary ---- of the cavalry
service.
The prudent man is careful not to tempt ---- too far.
The misplacement of the switch caused a terrible ----.
Great thoughts and high purposes keep one from being greatly
disturbed by the little ---- of daily life.
* * * * *
ACQUAINTANCE (page 15).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _acquaintance_ between persons imply? 2. How does
_acquaintance_ differ from _companionship_? _acquaintance_ from
_friendship_? from _intimacy_? 3. How does _fellowship_ differ from
_friendship_?
EXAMPLES.
A public speaker becomes known to many persons whom he does not
know, but who are ready promptly to claim ---- with him.
The ---- of life must bring us into ---- with many who can not be
admitted within the inner circle of ----.
The ---- of school and college life often develop into the most
beautiful and enduring ----.
Between those most widely separated by distance of place and time,
by language, station, occupation, and creed, there may yet be true
---- of soul.
* * * * *
ACRIMONY (page 15).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _acerbity_ differ from _asperity_? _asperity_ from
_acrimony_? 2. How is _acrimony_ distinguished from _malignity_?
_malignity_ from _virulence_? 3. What is implied in the use of the word
_severity_?
EXAMPLES.
A certain ---- of speech had become habitual with him.
To this ill-timed request, he answered with sudden ----.
A constant sense of injustice may deepen into a settled ----.
This smooth and pleasing address veiled a deep ----.
Great ---- will be patiently borne if the sufferer is convinced of
its essential justice.
* * * * *
ACT (page 16).
QUESTIONS.
1. How is _act_ distinguished from _action_? from _deed_? 2. Which of
the words in this group necessarily imply an external effect? Which may
be wholly mental?
EXAMPLES.
He who does the truth will need no instruction as to individual
----s.
---- is the truth of thought.
The ---- is done.
* * * * *
ACTIVE (page 17).
QUESTIONS.
1. With what two sets of words is _active_ allied? 2. How does _active_
differ from _busy_? from _industrious_? 3. How do _active_ and
_restless_ compare? 4. To what sort of activity does _officious_ refer?
6. What are some chief antonyms of _active_?
EXAMPLES.
Being of an ---- disposition and without settled purpose or definite
occupation, she became ---- as a hornet.
He had his ---- days and hours, but could never be properly said to
be ----.
An ---- attendant instantly seized upon my baggage.
The true student is ---- from the mere love of learning,
independently of its rewards.
* * * * *
ACUMEN (page 18).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do _sharpness_, _acuteness_, _penetration_, and _insight_ compare
with _acumen_? 2. What is the special characteristic of _acumen_? To
what order of mind does it belong? 3. What is _sagacity_? Is it
attributed to men or brutes? 4. What is _perspicacity_? 5. What is
_shrewdness_? Is it ordinarily good or evil? 6. Give illustrations of
the uses of the above words as regards the possessors of the
corresponding qualities.
EXAMPLES.
The treatise displays great critical ----.
The Indians had developed a practical ---- that enabled them to
follow a trail by scarcely perceptible signs almost as unerringly as
the hound by scent.
* * * * *
ADD (page 18).
QUESTIONS.
1. How is _add_ related to _increase_? How does it differ from
_multiply_? 2. What does _augment_ signify? Of what is it ordinarily
used? 3. To what does _amplify_ apply? 4. In what ways may a discourse
or treatise be _amplified_?
EXAMPLES.
Care to our coffin ---- a nail no doubt;
And every grin, so merry, draws one out.
---- up at night, what thou hast done by day;
And in the morning what thou hast to do.
* * * * *
ADDRESS, _v._ (page 19).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _accost_ always signify? _greet_? _hail_? 2. How does
_salute_ differ from _accost_ or _greet_? _address_? 3. What is it to
_apostrophize_?
EXAMPLES.
The pale snowdrop is springing
To ---- the glowing sun.
---- to the Chief who in triumph advances.
His faithful dog ---- the smiling guest.
---- ye heroes! heaven-born band!
Who fought and died in freedom's cause.
* * * * *
ADDRESS, _n._ (page 20).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _address_ in the sense here considered? 2. What is _tact_? 3.
What qualities are included in _address_?
EXAMPLES.
And the tear that is wiped with a little ----
May be follow'd perhaps by a smile.
The ---- of doing doth expresse
No other but the doer's willingnesse.
I have very poor and unhappy brains for drinking; I could wish ----
would invent some other custom of entertainment.
* * * * *
ADEQUATE (page 21).
QUESTIONS.
1. What do _adequate_, _commensurate_, and _sufficient_ alike signify?
How does _commensurate_ specifically differ from the other two words?
Give examples. 2. To what do _adapted_, _fit_, _suitable_, and
_qualified_ refer? 3. Is _satisfactory_ a very high recommendation of
any work? Why? 4. Is _able_ or _capable_ the higher word? Illustrate.
EXAMPLES.
We know not of what we are ---- till the trial comes.
Indeed, left nothing ---- for your purpose untouched, slightly
handled, in discourse.
* * * * *
ADHERENT (page 21).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _adherent_? 2. How does an _adherent_ differ from a
_supporter_? from a _disciple_? 3. How do both the above words differ
from _ally_? 4. Has _partisan_ a good or a bad sense, and why? 5. Is it
well to speak of a _supporter_ as a _backer_?
EXAMPLES.
Also of your own selves shall men arise speaking perverse things to
draw away ----s after them.
Woman is woman's natural ----.
Self-defense compelled the European nations to be ----s against
Napoleon.
The deposed monarch was found to have a strong body of ----s.
* * * * *
ADJACENT (page 22).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _adjacent_ and _adjoining_?
_contiguous_? _conterminous_? 2. What distance is implied in _near_?
_neighboring_? 3. What does _next_ always imply? 4. Give antonyms of
_adjacent_; _near_.
EXAMPLES.
Stronger by weakness, wiser men become,
As they draw ---- to their eternal home.
* * * * *
ADMIRE (page 23).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what sense was _admire_ formerly used? What does it now express?
2. How does _admire_ compare with _revere_? _venerate_? _adore_? Give
instances of the use of these words.
EXAMPLES.
The beautiful are sure to be ----.
Henceforth the majesty of God ----;
Fear him, and you have nothing else to fear.
I value Science--none can prize it more,
It gives ten thousand motives to ----:
Be it religious, as it ought to be,
The heart it humbles, and it bows the knee.
* * * * *
ADORN (page 23).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _adorn_ differ from _ornament_? from _garnish_? from _deck_
or _bedeck_? from _decorate_?
EXAMPLES.
At church, with meek and unaffected grace,
His looks ---- the venerable place.
The red breast oft, at evening hours,
Shall kindly lend his little aid,
With hoary moss, and gathered flowers,
To ---- the ground where thou art laid.
* * * * *
AFFRONT (page 24).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _affront_? 2. How does _affront_ compare with _insult_?
with _tease_? _annoy_?
EXAMPLES.
It is safer to ---- some people than to oblige them; for the better
a man deserves, the worse they will speak of him.
Oh, rather give me commentators plain,
Who with no deep researches ---- the brain.
The petty desire to ---- is simply a perversion of the human love of
power.
They rushed to meet the ---- foe.
* * * * *
AGENT (page 24).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _agent_ in the philosophical sense compare with _mover_ or
_doer_? 2. What different sense has it in business usage?
EXAMPLES.
That morality may mean anything, man must be held to be a free ----.
The ---- declined to take the responsibility in the absence of the
owner.
* * * * *
AGREE (page 25).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do _concur_ and _coincide_ differ in range of meaning? How with
reference to expression in action? 2. How does _accede_ compare with
_consent_? 3. Which is the most general word of this group?
EXAMPLES.
A woman's lot is made for her by the love she ----.
My poverty, but not my will, ----.
* * * * *
AGRICULTURE (page 25).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _agriculture_ include? How does it differ from _farming_?
2. What is _gardening_? _floriculture_? _horticulture_?
EXAMPLES.
Loan oft loses both itself and friend;
And borrowing dulls the edge of ----.
A field becomes exhausted by constant ----.
* * * * *
AIM (page 26).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _aim_? How does it differ from _mark_? from _goal_? 2. How
do _end_ and _object_ compare? 3. To what does _aspiration_ apply? How
does it differ in general from _design_, _endeavor_, or _purpose_? 4.
How does _purpose_ compare with _intention_? 5. What is _design_?
EXAMPLES.
In deeds of daring rectitude, in scorn
For miserable ---- that end with self.
O yet we trust that somehow good
Will be the final ---- of ill.
How quickly nature falls into revolt,
When gold becomes her ----.
It is not ----, but ambition that is the mother of misery in man.
* * * * *
AIR (page 27).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _air_ in the sense here considered? 2. How does _air_ differ
from _appearance_? 3. What is the difference between _expression_ and
_look_? 4. What is the sense of _bearing_? _carriage_? 5. How does
_mien_ differ from _air_? 6. What does _demeanor_ include?
EXAMPLES.
I never, with important ----,
In conversation overbear.
Vice is a monster of so frightful ----,
As, to be hated, needs but to be seen.
Grief fills the room up of my absent child,
Lies in his bed, walks up and down with me,
Puts on his pretty ----, repeats his words.
* * * * *
AIRY (page 27).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _airy_ agree with and differ from _aerial_? Give instances
of the uses of the two words. 2. What does _ethereal_ signify?
_sprightly_? 3. Are _lively_ and _animated_ used in the favorable or
unfavorable sense?
EXAMPLES.
---- tongues that syllable men's names, on sands and shores and
desert wildernesses.
The ---- mold
Incapable of stain, would soon expel
Her mischief, and purge off the baser fire,
Victorious.
Society became my glittering bride,
And ---- hopes my children.
Soft o'er the shrouds ---- whispers breathe,
That seemed but zephyrs to the train beneath.
* * * * *
ALARM (page 28).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the derivation and distinctive meaning of _alarm_? 2. What do
_affright_ and _fright_ express? Give an illustration of the contrasted
terms. 3. How are _apprehension_, _disquietude_, _dread_, and
_misgiving_ related to the danger that excites them? 4. What are
_consternation_, _dismay_, and _terror_, and how are they related to the
danger? 5. What is _timidity_?
* * * * *
ALERT (page 28).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what do _alert_, _wide-awake_, and _ready_ refer? 2. How does
_ready_ differ from _alert_? from _prepared_? 3. What does _prompt_
signify? 4. What is the secondary meaning of _alert_?
EXAMPLES.
To be ---- for war is one of the most effectual ways of preserving
peace.
He who is not ---- to-day will be less so to-morrow.
Thus ending loudly, as he would o'erleap
His destiny, ---- he stood.
* * * * *
ALIEN, _a. & n._ (page 29).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _alien_ differ from _foreign_? 2. Is a _foreigner_ by birth
necessarily an _alien_? 3. Are the people of one country while residing
in their own land _foreigners_ or _aliens_ to the people of other lands?
4. How can one residing in a _foreign_ country cease to be an _alien_ in
that country? 5. How do _foreign_ and _alien_ differ in their figurative
use?
EXAMPLES.
By ---- hands thy dying eyes were closed
. . .
By ---- hands thy humble grave adorned
By strangers honored and by strangers mourned.
What is religion? Not a ---- inhabitant, nor something ---- to our
nature, which comes and takes up its abode in the soul.
---- from the commonwealth of Israel and ---- from the covenants of
promise.
* * * * *
ALIKE (page 30).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _alike_ compare with _similar_? with _identical_? 2. What is
the distinction often made between _equal_ and _equivalent_? 3. What is
the sense of _analogous_? (Compare synonyms for ANALOGY.) 4. In what
sense is _homogeneous_ used?
EXAMPLES.
Sometimes gentle, sometimes capricious, sometimes awful; never the
---- for two moments together.
Fashioned for himself, a bride;
An ----, taken from his side.
* * * * *
ALLAY (page 31).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinction between _allay_ and _alleviate_? Which word
implies a partial removal of the cause of suffering, or an actual
_lightening_ of the burden? 2. With which of the above words are we to
class _appease_, _pacify_, _soothe_, and the like? 3. With what words is
_alleviate_ especially to be grouped? (See synonyms for ALLEVIATE.)
EXAMPLES.
Such songs have power to ----
The restless pulse of care,
And come like the benediction
That follows after prayer.
Many a word, at random spoken
May ---- or wound a heart that's broken!
* * * * *
ALLEGE (page 31).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which is the primary and which the secondary word, _allege_ or
_adduce_? Why? 2. How much of certainty is implied in _allege_? 3. How
much does one admit when he speaks of an _alleged_ fact, document,
signature, or the like?
EXAMPLES.
In many ---- cases of haunted houses, the spirits have not ventured
to face an armed man who has passed the night there.
I can not ---- one thing and mean another. If I can't pray I will
not make believe!
* * * * *
ALLEGORY (page 33).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _allegory_ compare with _simile_? _Simile_ with _metaphor_?
2. What are the distinctions between _allegory_, _fable_, and _parable_?
3. Under what general term are all these included? 4. To what is
_fiction_ now most commonly applied?
EXAMPLES.
In argument
---- are like songs in love:
They much describe; they nothing prove.
And He spake many things unto them in ----, saying, Behold a sower
went forth to sow.
* * * * *
ALLEVIATE (page 33).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _alleviate_ differ from _relieve_? from _remove_? 2. Is
_alleviate_ used of persons? 3. What are the special significations of
_abate_? _assuage_? _mitigate_? _moderate_? 4. How does _alleviate_
compare with _allay_? (Compare synonyms for ALLAY.)
EXAMPLES.
To pity distress is but human; to ---- it is Godlike.
But, O! what mighty magician can ----
A woman's envy?
* * * * *
ALLIANCE (page 34).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _alliance_? how does it differ from _partnership_? from
_coalition_? from _league_? 2. How does a _confederacy_ or _federation_
differ from a _union_?
EXAMPLES.
The two nations formed an offensive and defensive ---- against the
common enemy.
Till the war-drum throbbed no longer, and the battle-flags were furled,
In the Parliament of man, the ---- of the world.
Business ---- are the warrant for the existence of trade ----.
* * * * *
ALLOT (page 34).
QUESTIONS.
1. Does _allot_ refer to time, place, or person? 2. To what does
_appoint_ refer? _assign_? 3. How does _destine_ differ from _appoint_?
4. How does _award_ differ from _allot_, _appoint_, and _assign_?
EXAMPLES.
Man hath his daily work of body or mind ----.
He ----eth the moon for seasons; the sun knoweth his going down.
The king is but as the hind ...
Who may not wander from the ---- field
Before his work be done.
* * * * *
ALLOW (page 35).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _allow_ and _permit_? between a
_permit_ and _permission_? 2. What instances can you give of the use of
these words, also of _tolerate_ and _submit_? 3. What does _yield_
imply?
EXAMPLES.
Frederick ---- the Austrians to cross the mountains that he might
attack them on a field of his own choosing.
The cruelty and envy of the people
---- by our dastard nobles, who
Have all forsook me, hath devoured the rest.
State churches have ever been unwilling to ---- dissent.
* * * * *
ALLUDE (page 36).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive sense of _allude_? of _advert_? of _refer_?
2. How do the above words compare with _mention_ as to explicitness? 3.
How do _hint_ and _insinuate_ differ?
EXAMPLES.
Late in the eighteenth century Cowper did not venture to do more
than ---- to the great allegorist [Bunyan], saying:
"I name thee not, lest so despised a name
Should move a sneer at thy deserved fame."
* * * * *
ALLURE (page 37).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _allure_? 2. How does _allure_ differ from _attract_?
from _lure_? 3. What does _coax_ express? 4. What is it to _cajole_? to
_decoy_? to _inveigle_? 5. How does _seduce_ differ from _tempt_? 6. Is
_win_ used in the favorable or unfavorable sense?
EXAMPLES.
The ruddy square of comfortable light
---- him, as the beacon blaze ----
The bird of passage.
But Satan now is wiser than of yore,
And ---- by making rich, not making poor.
He had a strange gift of ---- friends, and of ---- the love of
women.
* * * * *
ALSO (page 37).
QUESTIONS.
1. Into what two groups are the synonyms for _also_ naturally divided?
2. Which words simply add a fact or thought? 3. Which distinctly imply
that what is added is like that to which it is added?
EXAMPLES.
Thine to work ---- to pray,
Clearing thorny wrongs away;
Plucking up the weeds of sin,
Letting heaven's warm sunshine in.
* * * * *
ALTERNATIVE (page 38).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _choice_ and _alternative_ in the
strict use of language? 2. Is _alternative_ always so severely
restricted by leading writers? 3. What do _choice_, _pick_, _election_,
and _preference_ imply regarding one's wishes? _alternative_?
_resources_?
EXAMPLES.
Homer delights to call Ulysses "the man of many ----."
* * * * *
AMASS (page 38).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _amass_? 2. How is _amass_ distinguished from
_accumulate_? 3. Is interest _amassed_ or _accumulated_? 4. How does
_hoard_ differ from _store_?
EXAMPLES.
By daring and successful speculation, he ---- a prodigious fortune.
The sum was the ---- savings of an industrious and frugal life.
O, to what purpose dost thou ---- thy words,
That thou return'st no greeting to thy friends?
* * * * *
AMATEUR (page 39).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _amateur_ and _connoisseur_? between
_connoisseur_ and _critic_? 2. Which word carries a natural implication
of superficialness? 3. How do _novice_ and _tyro_ differ from _amateur_?
EXAMPLES.
He was in Logic a great ----
Profoundly skill'd in Analytic;
He could distinguish, and divide
A hair 'twixt south and south-west side.
The greatest works in poetry, painting, and sculpture have not been
done by ----.
The mere ---- who produces nothing, and whose business is only to
judge and enjoy.
* * * * *
AMAZEMENT (page 39).
QUESTIONS.
1. What do _amazement_ and _astonishment_ agree in expressing? 2. How do
the two words differ? 3. What is the meaning of _awe_? of _admiration_?
4. How does _surprise_ differ from _astonishment_ and _amazement_? 5.
What are the characteristics of _wonder_?
EXAMPLES.
'Twas while he toiled him to be freed,
And with the rein to raise the steed,
That, from ----'s iron trance,
All Wycklif's soldiers waked at once.
Can such things be,
And overcome us like a summer's cloud,
Without our special ----?
The fool of nature stood with stupid eyes
And gaping mouth that testified ----.
* * * * *
AMBITION (page 40).
QUESTIONS.
1. What two senses has _ambition_? 2. How does _ambition_ differ from
_aspiration_? Which is the higher word? 3. What is the distinctive sense
of _emulation_? 4. Has _emulation_ a good side? How does it compare with
_aspiration_?
EXAMPLES.
Cromwell, I charge thee, fling away ----
By that sin, fell the angels.
Envy, to which th' ignoble mind's a slave,
Is ---- in the learn'd or brave.
I have no spur
To prick the sides of my intent, but only
Vaulting ----.
* * * * *
AMEND (page 41).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _amend_? 2. How do _advance_, _better_, and _improve_
differ from _amend_? 3. Are these words applied to matters decidedly
bad, foul, or evil? 4. What is the difference between _amend_ and
_emend_?
EXAMPLES.
Return ye now every man from his evil way, and ---- your doings.
The construction here is difficult, and the text at this point has
been variously ----.
Human characters and conditions never reach such perfection that
they can not be ----.
* * * * *
AMIABLE (page 42).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what does _lovely_ often apply? 2. To what does _amiable_ always
apply? 3. How do _agreeable_, _attractive_, and _charming_ differ from
_amiable_? Give examples. 4. Is a _good-natured_ person necessarily
_agreeable_? an _amiable_ person?
EXAMPLES.
His life was ----; and the elements
So mixed in him, that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, This was a man!
The east is blossoming! Yea a rose,
Vast as the heavens, soft as a kiss,
---- as the presence of woman is.
* * * * *
ANALOGY (page 43).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the specific meaning of _analogy_? 2. What is _affinity_?
_coincidence_? 3. Does _coincidence_ necessarily involve _resemblance_
or _likeness_? 4. What is _parity_ of _reasoning_? 5. What is a
_similitude_? 6. How do _resemblance_ and _similarity_ differ from
_analogy_?
EXAMPLES.
The two boys bore a close ---- to each other.
It is not difficult to trace the ---- of the home to the state.
* * * * *
ANGER (page 44).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are the especial characteristics of _anger_? How does it differ
from _indignation_? _exasperation_? _rage_? _wrath_? _ire_?
EXAMPLES.
My enemy has long borne me a feeling of ----.
Christ was filled with ---- at the hypocrisy of the Jews.
I was overcome by a sudden feeling of ----.
* * * * *
ANIMAL (page 45).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _animal_? a _brute_? a _beast_? 2. Is man an _animal_? 3.
What is implied if we speak of any particular man as an _animal_? a
_brute_? a _beast_? 4. What forms of existence does the word _creature_
include? 5. What are the animals of a country or region collectively
called?
EXAMPLES.
It is only within the last half century that societies have been
organized for the prevention of cruelty to ----.
O that men should put an enemy in their mouths to steal away their
brains! that we should with joy, pleasance, revel, and applause,
transform ourselves into ----!
Take a ---- out of his instinct, and you find him wholly deprived of
understanding.
Spurning manhood and its joys to loot,
To be a lawless, lazy, sensual ----.
* * * * *
ANNOUNCE (page 46).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _announce_? 2. Does it apply chiefly to the past or the
future? 3. To what is _advertise_ chiefly applied? _propound_?
_promulgate_? _publish_?
EXAMPLES.
The Sphinx ---- its riddles with life and death depending on the
answer.
Through the rare felicity of the times you are permitted to think
what you please and to ---- what you please.
The songs of birds and the wild flowers in the woodlands ---- the
coming of spring.
* * * * *
ANSWER (page 46).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a verbal _answer_? 2. In what wider sense is _answer_ used?
3. What is a _reply_? a _rejoinder_? 4. How does an _answer_ to a
charge, an argument, or the like, differ from a _reply_ or _rejoinder_?
5. What is the special quality of a _response_? 6. What is a _retort_?
How does it differ from _repartee_?
EXAMPLES.
I can no other ---- make, but thanks.
Theirs not to make ----
Theirs not to reason why,
Theirs but to do and die.
Upon thy princely warrant I descend,
To give thee ---- of thy just demand.
He could not be content without finding a ---- in Nature to every
mood of his mind; and he does find it.
A man renowned for ----
Will seldom scruple to make free
With friendship's honest feeling.
Nothing is so easy and inviting as the ---- of abuse and sarcasm;
but it is a paltry and unprofitable contest.
* * * * *
ANTICIPATE, ANTICIPATION (page 47).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are the two contrasted senses of _anticipate_? 2. Which is now
the more common? 3. How does _anticipate_ differ from _expect_? from
_hope_? from _apprehend_? 4. How does _anticipation_ differ from
_presentiment_? from _apprehension_? from _foreboding_? 5. What special
element is involved in _foretaste_? How do _foresight_ and _forethought_
go beyond the meaning of _anticipation_?
EXAMPLES.
Then some leaped overboard with fearful yell,
As eager to ---- their grave.
England ---- every man to do his duty.
These are portents; but yet I ----, I hope,
They do not point on me.
If I know your sect, I ---- your argument.
The happy ---- of a renewed existence in company with the spirits of
the just.
* * * * *
ANTIPATHY (page 48).
QUESTIONS.
1. How is _antipathy_ to be distinguished from _dislike_? from
_antagonism_? from _aversion_? 2. What is _uncongeniality_? How does it
differ from _antipathy_? Which is positive? and which negative?
EXAMPLES.
Christianity is the solvent of all race ----.
From my soul I loathe
All affectation; 'tis my perfect scorn, object of my implacable ----.
* * * * *
ANTIQUE (page 48).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what does _antique_ refer? _antiquated_? 2. Is the difference
between them a matter of time? Give examples. 3. Can a modern building
be _antiquated_? Can it be _antique_? 4. What is the significance of
_quaint_?
EXAMPLES.
My copper lamps, at any rate,
For being true ----, I bought.
I do love these ---- ruins,
We never tread upon them but we set
Our foot upon some reverend history.
* * * * *
ANXIETY (page 49).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _anxiety_ in the primary sense? Is it mental or physical? 2.
How does _anxiety_ differ from _anguish_? 3. What kind of possibility
does _anxiety_ always suggest? 4. How does it differ from
_apprehension_, _fear_, _dread_, etc., in this regard? 5. What is
_worry_? _fretfulness_? 6. Does _perplexity_ involve anxiety?
EXAMPLES.
Yield not to ---- the future, weep not for the past.
Superstition invested the slightest incidents of life with needless
----.
---- is harder than work, and far less profitable.
* * * * *
APATHY (page 50).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _apathy_? 2. How does it differ from the Saxon word
_unfeelingness_? from _indifference_? from _insensibility_? from
_unconcern_? 3. How does _stoicism_ differ from _apathy_?
EXAMPLES.
In lazy ---- let stoics boast
Their virtue fixed: 'tis fixed as in a frost.
At length the morn and cold ---- came.
He sank into a ---- from which it was impossible to arouse him.
* * * * *
APOLOGY (page 51).
QUESTIONS.
1. What change of meaning has _apology_ undergone? 2. What does an
_apology_ now always imply? 3. How does an _apology_ differ from an
_excuse_? 4. Which of these words may refer to the future? 5. How does
_confession_ differ from _apology_?
EXAMPLES.
---- only account for that which they do not alter.
Beauty is its own ---- for being.
There is no refuge from ---- but suicide; and suicide is ----.
* * * * *
APPARENT (page 52).
QUESTIONS.
1. What two contrasted senses arise from the root meaning of _apparent_?
2. What is implied when we speak of _apparent_ kindness or _apparent_
neglect? 3. How do _presumable_ and _probable_ differ? 4. What
implication is conveyed in _seeming_? What do we suggest when we speak
of "_seeming_ innocence"?
EXAMPLES.
It is not ---- that the students will attempt to break the rules
again.
It is not yet ---- what his motive could have been in committing
such an offense.
It is ---- that something has been omitted which was essential to
complete the construction.
* * * * *
APPETITE (page 54).
QUESTIONS.
1. Of what kind of demands or impulses is _appetite_ ordinarily used? 2.
What demands or tendencies are included in _passion_? 3. What is implied
by _passions_ and _appetites_ when used as contrasted terms?
EXAMPLES.
Govern well thy ----, lest sin
Surprise thee, and her black attendant Death.
Take heed lest ---- sway
Thy judgment to do aught which else free will
Would not admit.
* * * * *
APPORTION (page 54).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the special significance of _apportion_ by which it is
distinguished from _allot_, _assign_, _distribute_, or _divide_? 2. What
is the significance of _dispense_ in the transitive use? 3. What is it
to _appropriate_?
EXAMPLES.
Representatives are ---- among the several states according to the
population.
The treasure was ---- and their shares duly ---- among the captors.
* * * * *
APPROXIMATION (page 55).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _approximation_ in the mathematical sense? 2. How close an
approach to exactness and certainty does _approximation_ imply? 3. How
does _approximation_ differ from _resemblance_ and _similarity_? from
_approach_? 4. How does _approximation_, as regards the class of objects
to which it is applied, differ from _nearness_, _neighborhood_, or
_propinquity_?
EXAMPLES.
We have to be content with ---- to a solution.
Without faith, there is no real ---- to God.
Wit consists in knowing the ---- of things which differ, and the
difference of things which are alike.
* * * * *
ARMS (page 55).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _arms_ and _armor_? 2. In what
connection is _armor_ used in modern warfare?
EXAMPLES.
---- on ---- clashing brayed
Horrible discord.
There is constant rivalry between irresistible projectiles and
impenetrable ----.
* * * * *
ARMY (page 56).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are the essentials of an _army_? 2. Is an _army_ large or small?
3. What term would be applied to a _multitude_ of armed men without
order or organization? 4. In what sense is _host_ used? _legion_?
EXAMPLES.
For the ---- is a school in which the miser becomes generous, and
the generous, prodigal; miserly soldiers are like monsters, but very
rarely seen.
The still-discordant wavering ----.
* * * * *
ARRAIGN (page 56).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what kind of proceedings do _indict_ and _arraign_ apply? 2. How
is one _indicted_? How _arraigned_? 3. How do these words differ from
_charge_? _accuse_? _censure_?
EXAMPLES.
The criminal was ---- for trial for his offenses.
Religion does not ---- or exclude unnumbered pleasures, harmlessly
pursued.
* * * * *
ARTIFICE (page 58).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _artifice_? a _device_? _finesse_? 2. In what sense are
_cheat_, _maneuver_, and _imposture_ always used? 3. In what sense is
_trick_ commonly used? 4. What is a _fraud_? 5. Is _wile_ used in a good
or a bad sense? 6. Does the good or the bad sense commonly attach to the
words _artifice_, _contrivance_, _ruse_, _blind_, _device_, and
_finesse_?
EXAMPLES.
Those who can not gain their ends by force naturally resort to ----.
The enemy were decoyed from their defenses by a skilful ----.
Quips and cranks and wanton ----,
Nods and becks and wreathed smiles.
Whoever has even once become notorious by base ----, even if he
speaks the truth, gains no belief.
* * * * *
ARTIST (page 58).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _artist_? an _artisan_? 2. What is an _artificer_? How
related to _artist_ and _artisan_?
EXAMPLES.
The power depends on the depth of the ----'s insight of that object
he contemplates.
Infuse into the purpose with which you follow the various
employments and professions of life the sense of beauty, and you are
transformed at once from an ---- into an ----.
If too many ---- turn shopkeepers, the whole natural quantity of
that business divided among them all may afford too small a share
for each.
* * * * *
ASK (page 59).
QUESTIONS.
1. For what class of objects does one _ask_? For what does he _beg_? 2.
How do _entreat_ and _beseech_ compare with _ask_? 3. What is the
special sense of _implore_? of _supplicate_? 4. How are _crave_ and
_request_ distinguished? _pray_ and _petition_? 5. What kind of _asking_
is implied in _demand_? in _require_? How do these two words differ from
one another?
EXAMPLES.
We, ignorant of ourselves,
---- often our own harms, which the wise powers
Deny us for our good: so we find profit,
By losing of our prayers.
The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: ---- ye
therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth labourers
into his harvest.
Speak with me, pity me, open the door,
A beggar ---- that never begg'd before.
Be not afraid to ----; to ---- is right.
----, if thou canst, with hope; but ever ----.
Though hope be weak or sick with long delay;
---- in the darkness, if there be no light.
* * * * *
ASSOCIATE (page 60).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _associate_ imply, as used officially? What when used in
popular language? 2. Do we speak of associates in crime or wrong? What
words are preferred in such connection? (See synonyms for ACCESSORY.) 3.
Is _companion_ used in a good or bad sense? 4. How does it differ in use
from _associate_? 5. What is the significance of _peer_? _comrade_?
_consort_?
EXAMPLES.
His best ----, innocence and health,
And his best riches, ignorance of wealth.
The ---- accepted Napoleon's abdication.
The leader in the plot was betrayed by his ----.
* * * * *
ASSUME (page 61).
QUESTIONS.
1. Does _assume_ apply to that which is rightfully or wrongfully taken?
2. In what use does _assume_ correspond with _arrogate_ and _usurp_? 3.
How do _arrogate_ and _usurp_ differ from each other? How does _assume_
differ from _postulate_ as regards debate or reasoning of any kind?
EXAMPLES.
Wherefore do I ----
These royalties, and not refuse to reign.
---- a virtue if you have it not.
For well we know no hand of blood and bone
Can gripe the sacred handle of our scepter,
Unless he do profane, steal, or ----.
* * * * *
ASSURANCE (page 61).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _assurance_ in the good sense? 2. What is _assurance_ in the
bad sense? 3. How does _assurance_ compare with _impudence_? with
_effrontery_?
EXAMPLES.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full ---- of faith.
Some wicked wits have libel'd all the fair.
With matchless ---- they style a wife
The dear-bought curse, and lawful plague of life.
With brazen ---- he denied the most indisputable facts.
* * * * *
ASTUTE (page 62).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what language is _acute_ derived? What is its distinctive sense?
2. From what language is _keen_ derived? What does it distinctively
denote? 3. From what language is _astute_ derived, and what was its
original meaning? 4. In present use what does _astute_ add to the
meaning of _acute_ or _keen_? 5. What does _astute_ imply regarding the
ulterior purpose or object of the person who is credited with it?
EXAMPLES.
You statesmen are so ---- in forming schemes!
He taketh the wise in their own ----ness.
The most ---- reasoner may be deluded, when he practises sophistry
upon himself.
* * * * *
ATTACHMENT (page 63).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _attachment_? How does it differ from _adherence_ or
_adhesion_? from _affection_? from _inclination_? from _regard_?
EXAMPLES.
Talk not of wasted ----, ---- never was wasted.
You do not weaken your ---- for your family by cultivating ----s
beyond its pale, but deepen and intensify it.
* * * * *
ATTACK, _v. & n._ (pages 63, 64).
QUESTIONS.
1. What special element is involved in the meaning of _attack_? 2. How
do _assail_ and _assault_ differ? 3. What is it to _encounter_? how does
this word compare with _attack_? How does _attack_ differ from
_aggression_?
EXAMPLES.
We see time's furrows on another's brow,
And death intrench'd, preparing his ----;
How few themselves in that just mirror see!
Who ever knew Truth put to the worse in a free and open ----?
Roger Williams ---- the spirit of intolerance, the doctrine of
persecution, and never his persecutors.
* * * * *
ATTAIN (page 64).
QUESTIONS.
1. What kind of a word is _attain_, and to what does it point? 2. How
does _attain_ differ from _obtain_? from _achieve_? 3. How does _obtain_
differ from _procure_?
EXAMPLES.
The heights by great men ---- and kept
Were not ---- by sudden flight,
But they, while their companions slept,
Were toiling upward in the night.
Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might ----
By fearing to attempt.
* * * * *
ATTITUDE (page 65).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _position_ as regards the human body differ from _attitude_,
_posture_, or _pose_? 2. Do the three latter words apply to the living
or the dead? 3. What is the distinctive sense of _attitude_? Is it
conscious or unconscious? 4. How does _posture_ differ from _attitude_?
5. What is the distinctive sense of _pose_? How does it differ from, and
how does it agree with _attitude_ and _posture_?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- assumed indicated great indignation because of the insult
implied.
The ---- was graceful and pleasing.
* * * * *
ATTRIBUTE, _v._ (page 65).
QUESTIONS.
1. What suggestion is often involved in _attribute_? 2. How does
_attribute_ differ from _refer_ and _ascribe_? 3. Is _charge_ (in this
connection) used in the favorable or unfavorable sense?
EXAMPLES.
---- ye greatness unto our God.
He ---- unworthy motives which proved a groundless charge.
* * * * *
ATTRIBUTE, _n._ (page 66).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the derivation and the inherent meaning of _quality_? 2. What
is an _attribute_? 3. Which of the above words expresses what
necessarily belongs to the subject of which it is said to be an
_attribute_ or _quality_? 4. What is the derivation and distinctive
sense of _property_? 5. How does _property_ ordinarily differ from
_quality_? 6. In what usage do _property_ and _quality_ become exact
synonyms, and how are _properties_ then distinguished?
EXAMPLES.
His scepter shows the force of temporal power,
The ---- to awe and majesty,
Wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings.
Nothing endures but personal ----s.
* * * * *
AVARICIOUS (page 68).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do _avaricious_ and _covetous_ differ from _miserly_,
_niggardly_, _parsimonious_, and _penurious_? 2. Of what matters are
_greedy_ and _stingy_ used? How do they differ from each other?
EXAMPLES.
I am not ---- for gold;
Nor care I who doth feed upon my cost;
It yearns me not if men my garments wear.
It is better to be content with such things as ye have than to
become ---- and ---- in accumulating.
* * * * *
AVENGE (page 69).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _avenge_? 2. How does _avenge_ differ from _revenge_?
3. Which word would be used of an act of God? 4. Is _retaliate_ used in
the sense of _avenge_ or of _revenge_?
EXAMPLES.
O, that the vain remorse, which must chastise
Crimes done, had but as loud a voice to warn
As its keen sting is mortal to ----.
I lost mine eye laying the prize aboard,
And therefore to ---- it, shalt thou die.
* * * * *
AVOW (page 69).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which words of this group refer exclusively to one's own knowledge or
action? 2. What is the distinctive sense of _aver_? of _avouch_? of
_avow_? 3. How do _avouch_ and _avow_ differ from _aver_ in
construction? 4. Is _avow_ used in a good or a bad sense? What does it
imply of others' probable feeling or action? 5. How does _avow_ compare
with _confess_?
EXAMPLES.
And, but herself, ---- no parallel.
The child ---- his fault and was pardoned by his parent.
* * * * *
AWFUL (page 70).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what matters should _awful_ properly be restricted? 2. Is _awful_
always interchangeable with _alarming_ or _terrible_? with
_disagreeable_ or _annoying_?
EXAMPLES.
Then must it be an ---- thing to die.
The silent falling of the snow is to me one of the most ---- things
in nature.
* * * * *
AWKWARD (page 70).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the derivation and original meaning of _awkward_? of
_clumsy_? 2. To what, therefore, does _awkward_ primarily refer? and to
what _clumsy_? 3. Is a draft-horse distinctively _awkward_ or _clumsy_?
4. Give some metaphorical uses of _awkward_.
EXAMPLES.
Though he was ----, he was kindly.
The apprentice was not only ----, but ----, and had to be taught
over and over again the same methods.
The young girl stood in a ---- way, looking in at the showy
shop-windows.
* * * * *
AXIOM (page 71).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what do _axiom_ and _truism_ agree? 2. In what do they differ? 3.
How do they compare in interest and utility?
EXAMPLES.
It is almost an ---- that those who do most for the heathen abroad
are most liberal for the heathen at home.
Trifling ----s clothed in great, swelling words of vanity.
* * * * *
BABBLE (page 71).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what class do most of the words in this group belong? Why are they
so called? 2. What is the special significance of _blab_ and _blurt_?
How do they differ from each other in use? 3. What is _chat_? 4. How
does _prattling_ differ from _chatting_? 5. In what sense is _jabber_
used? How does it compare with _chatter_?
EXAMPLES.
"The crane," I said, "may ---- of the crane,
The dove may ---- of the dove."
Two women sat contentedly ----ing, one of them amusing a ----ing
babe.
* * * * *
BANISH (page 72).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what land may one be _banished_? From what _expatriated_ or
_exiled_? 2. By whom may one be said to be _banished_? by whom
_expatriated_ or _exiled_? 3. Which of these words is of widest import?
Give examples of its metaphorical use.
* * * * *
BANK (page 72).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _beach_? a _coast_? 2. How does each of the above words
differ from _bank_? 3. What is the distinctive sense of _strand_? In
what style of writing is it most commonly used? 4. What are the
distinctive senses of _edge_ and _brink_?
* * * * *
BANTER (page 73).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _banter_? 2. How is _badinage_ distinguished from _banter_?
_raillery_ from both? 3. What is the distinctive sense of _irony_? 4. Is
_irony_ kindly or the reverse? _badinage_? _banter_? 5. What words of
this group are distinctly hostile? 6. Is _ridicule_ or _derision_ the
stronger word? What is the distinction between the two? between _satire_
and _sarcasm_? between _chaff_, _jeering_, and _mockery_?
* * * * *
BARBAROUS (page 73).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _barbarian_? 2. What is the added significance
of _barbaric_? 3. How does _barbarous_ in general use differ from both
the above words? 4. What special element is commonly implied in
_savage_? 5. In what less opprobrious sense may _barbarous_ and _savage_
be used? Give instances.
EXAMPLES.
A multitude like which the populous North
Poured never from her frozen loins, to pass
Rhene or the Danaw, when her ---- sons
Came like a deluge on the south.
Or when the gorgeous East, with richest hand,
Showers on her kings ---- pearl and gold.
It is most true, that a natural and secret hatred and aversation
toward society, in any man, hath somewhat of the ---- beast.
Thou art bought and sold among those of any wit like a ---- slave.
* * * * *
BARRIER (page 74).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _bar_? and what is its purpose? 2. What is a _barrier_? 3.
Which word is ordinarily applied to objects of great extent? 4. Would a
mountain range be termed a _bar_ or a _barrier_? 5. What distinctive
name is given to a mass of sand across the mouth of a river or harbor?
* * * * *
BATTLE (page 74).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the general meaning of _conflict_? 2. What is a _battle_? 3.
How long may a _battle_ last? 4. On how many fields may one _battle_ be
fought? 5. How does _engagement_ differ from _battle_? How does _combat_
differ? _action_? _skirmish_? _fight_?
* * * * *
BEAUTIFUL (page 76).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is necessary to constitute an object or a person _beautiful_? 2.
Can _beautiful_ be said of that which is harsh and ragged, however
grand? 3. How is _beautiful_ related to our powers of appreciation? 4.
How does _pretty_ compare with _beautiful_? _handsome_? 5. What does
_fair_ denote? _comely_? _picturesque_?
EXAMPLES.
I pray thee, O God, that I may be ---- within.
A happy youth, and their old age is ---- and free.
'Twas sung, how they were ---- in their lives
And in their death had not divided been.
How ---- has the day been, how bright was the sun.
How lovely and joyful the course that he run.
Though he rose in a mist when his race he began
And there followed some droppings of rain!
* * * * *
BECOMING (page 77).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _becoming_? of _decent_? of _suitable_? 2. Can
that which is worthy or beautiful in itself ever be otherwise than
_becoming_ or _suitable_? Give instances. 3. What is the meaning of
_fit_? How does it differ from _fitting_ or _befitting_?
EXAMPLES.
A merrier man,
Within the limit of ---- mirth,
I never spent an hour's talk withal.
Still govern thou my song,
Urania, and ---- audience find, tho few.
Indeed, left nothing ---- for your purpose
Untouch'd, slightly handled, in discourse.
In such a time as this, it is not ----
That every nice offense should bear his comment.
How could money be better spent than in erecting a ---- building for
the greatest library in the country?
* * * * *
BEGINNING (page 78).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what language is _beginning_ derived? _commencement_? How do the
two words differ in application and use? Give instances. 2. What is an
_origin_? a _source_? a _rise_? 3. How are _fount_, _fountain_, and
_spring_ used in the figurative sense?
EXAMPLES.
For learning is the ---- pure,
Out from which all glory springs.
Truth is the ---- of every good to gods and men.
Courage, the mighty attribute of powers above,
By which those great in war are great in love;
The ---- of all brave acts is seated here.
It can not be that Desdemona should long continue her love to the
Moor, nor he his to her: it was a violent ----, and thou shalt see
an answerable sequestration.
In the ---- God created the heaven and the earth.
* * * * *
BEHAVIOR (page 79).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do _behavior_ and _conduct_ differ? 2. What is the special sense
of _carriage_? of _bearing_? _demeanor_? 3. What is _manner_? _manners_?
EXAMPLES.
Our thoughts and our ---- are our own.
Good ---- are made up of petty sacrifices.
* * * * *
BENEVOLENCE (page 80).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the original distinction between _benevolence_ and
_beneficence_? 2. In what sense is _benevolence_ now most commonly used?
3. What words are commonly used for _benevolence_ in the original sense?
4. What was the original sense of _charity_? the present popular sense?
5. What of _humanity_? _generosity_? _liberality_? _philanthropy_?
EXAMPLES.
---- is a virtue of the heart, and not of the hands.
The secrets of life are not shown except to ---- and likeness.
* * * * *
BIND (page 81).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive sense of _bind_? 2. What is the special
meaning of _tie_? 3. In how general a sense is _fasten_ used? 4. Which
of the above three words is used in a figurative sense?
EXAMPLES.
Shut, shut the door, good John! fatigu'd, I said;
---- up the knocker, say I'm sick, I'm dead.
Adjust our lives to loss, make friends with pain,
---- all our shattered hopes and bid them bloom again.
* * * * *
BITTER (page 81).
QUESTIONS.
1. How may _acid_, _bitter_, and _acrid_ be distinguished? _pungent_?
_caustic_? 2. In metaphorical use, how are _harsh_ and _bitter_
distinguished? 3. What is the special significance of _caustic_? 4. Give
examples of these words in their various uses.
* * * * *
BLEACH (page 82).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do _bleach_ and _blanch_ differ from _whiten_? from each other?
EXAMPLES.
You can behold such sights,
And keep the natural ruby of your cheeks,
When mine is ---- with fear.
We let the years go: wash them clean with tears,
Leave them to ---- out in the open day.
* * * * *
BLEMISH (page 82).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _blemish_? 2. How does it differ from a _flaw_ or _taint_?
3. What is a _defect_? a _fault_? 4. Which words of this group are
naturally applied to reputation, and which to character?
EXAMPLES.
Every page enclosing in the midst
A square of text that looks a little ----.
The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious:
If it were so, it was a grievous ----.
* * * * *
BLUFF (page 83).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what sense are _bluff_, _frank_, and _open_ used? 2. In what sense
are _blunt_, _brusk_, _rough_, and _rude_ employed?
EXAMPLES.
There are to whom my satire seems too ----.
Stout once a month they march, a ---- band
And ever but in times of need, at hand.
* * * * *
BOUNDARY (page 84).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the original sense of _boundary_? 2. How does it differ in
usage from _bound_ or _bounds_? 3. In what style and sense is _bourn_
used? 4. What is the distinctive meaning of _edge_?
EXAMPLES.
So these lives ...
Parted by ----s strong, but drawing nearer and nearer,
Rushed together at last, and one was lost in the other.
In worst extremes, and on the perilous ----
Of battle.
* * * * *
BRAVE (page 85).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _brave_ differ from _courageous_? 2. What is the special
sense of _adventurous_? of _bold_? of _chivalrous_? 3. How do these
words differ from _venturesome_? 4. What is especially denoted by
_fearless_ and _intrepid_? 5. What does _valiant_ tell of results? 6.
What ideas are combined in _heroic_?
EXAMPLES.
A ---- man is also full of faith.
Fir'd at first sight with what the Muse imparts,
In ---- youth we tempt the heights of Arts.
Thy danger chiefly lies in acting well;
No crime's so great as ---- to excel.
* * * * *
BUSINESS (page 88).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _barter_? 2. What does _business_
add to the meaning of _barter_? 3. What is _occupation_? Is it broader
than _business_? 4. What is a _vocation_? 5. What (in the strict sense)
is an _avocation_? 6. What is implied in _profession_? _pursuit_? 7.
What is a _transaction_? 8. How does _trade_ differ from _commerce_? 9.
What is _work_? 10. What is an _art_ in the industrial sense? a _craft_?
EXAMPLES.
A man must serve his time to every ----.
We turn to dust, and all our mightiest ----s die too.
* * * * *
CALCULATE (page 90).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do you distinguish between _count_ and _calculate_? _compute_,
_reckon_ and _estimate_? 2. Which is used mostly with regard to future
probabilities? 3. Do we use _compute_ or _estimate_ of numbers exactly
known? 4. Of _compute_, _calculate_, and _estimate_, which is used with
especial reference to the future?
EXAMPLES.
There were 4046 men in the district, by actual ----.
The time of the eclipse was ---- to a second.
We ask them to ---- approximately the cost of the building.
* * * * *
CALL (page 91).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _call_? 2. Do we ever apply
_bellow_ and _roar_ to human sounds? 3. Can you give more than one sense
of _cry_? 4. Are _shout_ and _scream_ more or less expressive than
_call_? 5. Which of the words in this group are necessarily and which
ordinarily applied to articulate utterance? Which rarely, if ever, so
used?
EXAMPLES.
---- for the robin redbreast and the wren.
The pioneers could hear the savages ---- outside.
I ---- my servant and he came.
The captain ---- in a voice of thunder to the helmsman, "Put your
helm hard aport!"
* * * * *
CALM (page 91).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what classes of objects or states of mind do we apply _calm_?
_collected_? _quiet_? _placid_? _serene_? _still_? _tranquil_? 2. Do the
antonyms _boisterous_, _excited_, _ruffled_, _turbulent_, and _wild_,
also apply to the same? 3. Can you contrast _calm_ and _quiet_? 4. How
many of the preceding adjectives can be applied to water? 5. How does
_composed_ differ from _calm_?
EXAMPLES.
The possession of a ---- conscience is an estimable blessing.
The water is said to be always ---- in the ocean depths.
---- on the listening ear of night
Fall heaven's melodious strains.
* * * * *
CANCEL (page 92).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference in method involved in the verbs _cancel_,
_efface_, _erase_, _expunge_, and _obliterate_? 2. Which suggest the
most complete removal of all trace of a writing? 3. How do the
figurative uses of these words compare with the literal? 4. Is it
possible to _obliterate_ or _efface_ that which has been previously
_canceled_ or _erased_?
EXAMPLES.
It is practically impossible to clean a postage-stamp that has been
properly ---- so that it can be used again.
With the aid of a sharp penknife the blot was quickly ----.
By lapse of time and elemental action, the inscription had become
completely ----.
* * * * *
CANDID (page 93).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what class of things do we apply _aboveboard_? _candid_? _fair_?
_frank_? _honest_? _sincere_? _transparent_? 2. Can you state the
similarity between _artless_, _guileless_, _naive_, _simple_, and
_unsophisticated_? How do they differ as a class from the words above
referred to? 3. How does it happen that "To be frank," or "To be candid"
often precedes the utterance of something disagreeable?
EXAMPLES.
The sophistry was so ---- as to disgust the assembly.
A. T. Stewart relied on ---- dealing as the secret of mercantile
success.
An ---- man will not steal or defraud.
---- she seems with artful care
Affecting to be unaffected.
* * * * *
CARE (page 94).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the special difference between _care_ and _anxiety_? 2.
Wherein does _care_ differ from _caution_? _solicitude_ from _anxiety_?
_watchfulness_ from _wariness_? 3. Can you give some of the senses of
_care_? 4. Is _concern_ as strong a term as _anxiety_? 5. What is
_circumspection_? _precaution_? _heed_?
EXAMPLES.
Take her up tenderly, lift her with ----.
A military commander should have as much ---- as bravery.
The invaders fancied themselves so secure against attack that they
had not taken the ---- to station sentinels.
* * * * *
CARICATURE (page 95).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _caricature_? 2. What is the
special difference between _parody_ and _travesty_? between both and
_burlesque_? 3. To what is _caricature_ mostly confined? 4. How do
_mimicry_ and _imitation_ differ? 5. Is an _extravaganza_ an
_exaggeration_?
EXAMPLES.
The eagle nose of the general was magnified in every artist's ----.
His laughable reproduction of the great actor's vagaries was a
clever bit of ----.
If it be not lying to say that a fox's tail is four feet long, it is
certainly a huge ----.
* * * * *
CARRY (page 96).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what sort of objects do we apply _bear_? _carry_? _move_? _take_?
2. What kinds of force or power do we indicate by _convey_, _lift_,
_transmit_, and _transport_? 3. What is the distinction between _bring_
and _carry_? between _carry_ and _bear_? 4. What does _lift_ mean? 5.
Can you give some figurative uses of _carry_?
EXAMPLES.
The strong man can ---- 1,000 pounds with apparent ease.
Napoleon always endeavored to ---- the war into the enemy's
territory.
It was found necessary to ---- the coal overland for a distance of
500 miles.
My punishment is greater than I can ----.
* * * * *
CATASTROPHE (page 97).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _catastrophe_ or _cataclysm_? 2. Is a _catastrophe_ also
necessarily a _calamity_ or a _disaster_? 3. Which word has the broader
meaning, _disaster_ or _calamity_? 4. Does _misfortune_ suggest as
serious a condition as any of the foregoing? 5. How does a _mishap_
compare with a _catastrophe_, a _calamity_, or a _disaster_? 6. Give
some chief antonyms of the above.
EXAMPLES.
War and pestilence are properly ----, while the loss of a battle may
be a ----, but not a ----.
Fortune is not satisfied with inflicting one ----.
Well had the boding tremblers learned to trace
The day's ---- in his morning face.
The failure of the crops of two successive years proved an
irreparable ---- to the emigrants.
* * * * *
CAUSE (page 98).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the central distinction between _antecedent_ and _cause_? 2.
How are the words _cause_, _condition_, and _occasion_ illustrated by
the fall of an avalanche? 3. And the antonyms _consequence_? _effect_?
_outgrowth_? _result_? 4. What are _causality_ and _causation_? 5. How
are _origin_ and _source_ related to _cause_?
EXAMPLES.
Where there is an effect there must be also a ----.
It is necessary to know something of the ---- of a man before we can
safely trust him.
The ---- of the river was found to be a small lake among the hills.
What was given as the ---- of the quarrel was really but the ----.
* * * * *
CHAGRIN (page 100).
QUESTIONS.
1. What feelings are combined in _chagrin_? 2. How do you distinguish
between _chagrin_, _disappointment_, _humiliation_, _mortification_, and
_shame_? 3. Which involves a sense of having done wrong?
EXAMPLES.
The king's ---- at the limitations imposed upon him was painfully
manifest.
He is not wholly lost who yet can blush from ----.
Hope tells a flattering tale,
Delusive, vain, and hollow.
Ah! let not hope prevail,
Lest ---- follow.
* * * * *
CHANGE (page 100).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinction between _change_ and _exchange_? Are they
ever used as equivalent, and how? 2. Can you distinguish between
_modify_ and _qualify_?
EXAMPLES.
The tailor offered to ---- the armholes of the coat.
We requested the pianist to ---- his music by introducing a few
popular tunes.
We often fail to recognize the actor who ---- his costume between
the acts.
* * * * *
CHARACTER (page 102).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do you distinguish between _character_ and _reputation_?
_constitution_ and _disposition_? 2. Is _nature_ a broader word than any
of the preceding? 3. If so, why?
EXAMPLES.
The philanthropist's ---- for charity is often a great source of
annoyance to him.
Let dogs delight to bark and bite, for 'tis their ---- to.
Misfortune may cause the loss of friends and reputation, yet if the
man has not yielded to wrong, his ---- is superior to loss or
change.
* * * * *
CHOOSE (page 104).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are the shades of difference between _choose_, _cull_, _elect_,
_pick_, _prefer_, and _select_? 2. Also between the antonyms _cast
away_, _decline_, _dismiss_, _refuse_, _repudiate_? 3. Does _select_
imply more care or judgment than _choose_?
EXAMPLES.
The prettiest flowers had all been ----.
Jacob was ---- to Esau, tho he was the younger.
When a man deliberately ---- to do wrong, there is little hope for
him.
* * * * *
CIRCUMSTANCE (page 105).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what classes of things do we apply _accompaniment_? _concomitant_?
_circumstance_? _event_? _fact_? _incident_? _occurrence_? _situation_?
2. Can you give some instances of the use of _circumstance_? 3. Is it a
word of broader meaning than _incident_?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- that there had been a fire was proved by the
smoke-blackened walls.
Extreme provocation may be a mitigating ---- in a case of homicide.
* * * * *
CLASS (page 106).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does a _class_ differ from a _caste_? 2. In what connection is
_rank_ used? _order_? 3. What is a _coterie_? How does it differ from a
_clique_?
EXAMPLES.
An ---- was formed for the relief of the poor and needy of the city.
A select ---- met at the residence of one of the leading men of the
city.
There is a struggle of the masses against the ----.
* * * * *
CLEAR (page 107).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _clear_ originally signify? 2. How does _clear_ differ from
_transparent_ as regards a substance that may be a medium of vision? 3.
With what meaning is _clear_ used of an object apprehended by the
senses, as an object of sight or hearing? 4. What does _distinct_
signify? 5. What is _plain_? 6. What special sense does this word always
retain? How does _transparent_ differ from _translucent_? 7. What do
_lucid_ and _pellucid_ signify? 8. What is the special force of
_limpid_?
* * * * *
CLEVER (page 109).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _clever_ as used in England? 2. What was the
early New England usage? 3. What is to be said of the use of _smart_ and
_sharp_? 4. What other words of this group are preferable to _clever_ in
many of its uses?
EXAMPLES.
His brief experience in the department had made him very ---- in the
work now assigned him.
She was especially ---- in song.
Be good, sweet maid, and let who will be ----;
Do noble things, not dream them, all day long;
And so make life, death, and the vast forever
One grand, sweet song.
* * * * *
COMPANY (page 110).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what is _company_ derived? What is its primary meaning? 2. For
what are those associated who constitute a _company_? Is their
association temporary or permanent? 3. What is the difference between
_assemblage_ and _assembly_? 4. What is a _conclave_? a _convocation_? a
_convention_? 5. What are the characteristics of a _group_? 6. To what
use is _congregation_ restricted? How does _meeting_ agree with and
differ from it?
EXAMPLES.
Far from the madding ----'s ignoble strife,
Their sober wishes never learned to stray.
The room contained a large ---- of miscellaneous objects.
A fellow that makes no figure in ----.
A great ---- had met, but without organization or officers.
If ye inquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be
determined in a lawful ----.
* * * * *
COMPEL (page 111).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _compel_? 2. What does _force_ imply? 3. What is the
especial significance of _coerce_? 4. What does _constrain_ imply? In
what favorable sense is it used?
EXAMPLES.
Even if we were not willing, they possessed the power of ---- us to
do justice.
Employers may ---- their employees into voting as they demand, but
for the secret ballot.
These considerations ---- us to aid them to the utmost of our power.
* * * * *
COMPLAIN (page 112).
QUESTIONS.
1. By what is _complaining_ prompted? _murmuring_? _repining_? 2. Which
finds outward expression, and which is limited to the mental act? 3. To
whom does one _complain_, in the formal sense of the word? 4. With whom
does one _remonstrate_?
EXAMPLES.
It is not pleasant to live with one who is constantly ----ing.
The dog gave a low ---- which frightened the tramp away.
* * * * *
COMPLEX (page 112).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _complex_ differ from _compound_? from _composite_? 2. What
is _heterogeneous_? _conglomerate_? 3. How does _complicated_ differ
from _intricate_? from _involved_?
* * * * *
CONSCIOUS (page 116).
QUESTIONS.
1. Of what things is one _aware_? of what is he _conscious_? 2. How does
_sensible_ compare with the above-mentioned words? 3. What does
_sensible_ indicate regarding the emotions, that would not be expressed
by _conscious_?
EXAMPLES.
To be ---- that you are ignorant is a great step to knowledge.
They are now ---- it would have been better to resist the first
temptation.
He was ---- of a stealthy step and a bulk dimly visible through the
darkness.
* * * * *
CONSEQUENCE (page 116).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _consequence_ differ from _effect_? both from _result_? 2.
How do _result_ and _issue_ compare? 3. In what sense is _consequent_
used?
* * * * *
CONTAGION (page 117).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what is _contagion_ now limited by the best medical usage? 2. To
what is the term _infection_ applied?
EXAMPLES.
During the plague in London persons walked in the middle of the
streets for fear of the ---- from the houses.
The mob thinks by ---- for the most part, catching an opinion like a
cold.
No pestilence is so much to be dreaded as the ---- of bad example.
* * * * *
CONTINUAL (page 117).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _continuous_ differ from _continual_? _incessant_ from
_ceaseless_? Give examples.
* * * * *
CONTRAST (page 118).
QUESTIONS.
1. How is _contrast_ related to _compare_? 2. What are the special
senses of _differentiate_, _discriminate_ and _distinguish_?
* * * * *
CONVERSATION (page 118).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the essential meaning of _conversation_? 2. How does
_conversation_ differ from _talk_? 3. How is _discourse_ related to
_conversation_? 4. What are the special senses of _dialogue_ and
_colloquy_?
EXAMPLES.
There can be no ---- with a great genius, who does all the ----ing.
Nor wanted sweet ----, the banquet of the mind.
* * * * *
CONVEY (page 119).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what do _convey_, _transmit_, and _transport_ agree? What is the
distinctive sense of _convey_? 2. To what class of objects does
_transport_ refer? 3. To what class of objects do _transfer_,
_transmit_, and _convey_ apply? 4. Which is the predominant sense of the
latter words?
* * * * *
CRIMINAL (page 120).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _criminal_? How does it differ
from _illegal_ or _unlawful_? 2. What is _felonious_? _flagitious_? 3.
What is the primary meaning of _iniquitous_? 4. Is an _iniquitous_ act
necessarily _criminal_?
* * * * *
DANGER (page 121).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _danger_? 2. Does _danger_ or
_peril_ suggest the more immediate evil? 3. How are _jeopardy_ and
_risk_ distinguished from _danger_ and _peril_?
EXAMPLES.
Delay always breeds ----.
The careful rider avoids running ----.
Stir, at your ----!
* * * * *
DECAY (page 122).
QUESTIONS.
1. What sort of things _decay_? _putrefy_? _rot_? 2. What is the
essential difference between _decay_ and _decompose_?
EXAMPLES.
The flowers wither, the tree's trunk ----.
The water was ---- by the electric current.
* * * * *
DECEPTION (page 123).
QUESTIONS.
1. How is _deceit_ distinguished from _deception_? from _guile_?
_fraud_? _lying_? _hypocrisy_? 2. Do all of these apply to conduct as
well as to speech? 3. Is _deception_ ever innocent? 4. Have _craft_ and
_cunning_ always a moral element? 5. How is _dissimulation_
distinguished from _duplicity_?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- of his conduct was patent to all.
It was a matter of self-----.
The judge decided it to be a case of ----.
* * * * *
DEFINITION (page 124).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which is the more exact, a _definition_ or a _description_? 2. What
must a _definition_ include, and what must it exclude? 3. What must a
_description_ include? 4. In what respect has _interpretation_ a wider
meaning than _translation_? 5. How does an _explanation_ compare with an
_exposition_?
EXAMPLES.
A prompt ---- of the difficulty prevented a quarrel.
The ---- of scenery was admirable.
The seer gave an ---- of the dream.
Many a controversy may be instantly ended by a clear ---- of terms.
* * * * *
DELIBERATE (page 125).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are the chief distinctions between _deliberate_? _consult_?
_consider_? _meditate_? _reflect_? 2. Do large gatherings of people
_consult_, or _meditate_, or _deliberate_? 3. Do we _reflect_ on things
past or things to come? 4. How many persons are necessarily implied in
_consult_, _confer_, and _debate_ as commonly used? in _deliberate_,
_consider_, _ponder_, _reflect_? in _meditate_? 5. What idea of time is
implied in _deliberate_?
EXAMPLES.
The matter was carefully ---- in all its bearings.
The legislature ---- for several days.
* * * * *
DELUSION (page 127).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the essential difference between _illusion_ and _delusion_?
How does _hallucination_ differ from both? 2. Which word is used
especially of objects of sight?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- of the sick are sometimes pitiful.
In the soft light the ---- was complete.
* * * * *
DEMONSTRATION (page 127).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what kind of reasoning does _demonstration_ in the strict sense
apply? 2. What is _evidence_? _proof_? 3. Which is the stronger term? 4.
Which is the more comprehensive?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- of the witness was so complete that no further ---- was
required.
A mathematical ---- must be final and conclusive.
* * * * *
DESIGN (page 128).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _design_? 2. What element is
prominent in _intention_? _purpose_? _plan_? 3. Does _purpose_ suggest
more power to execute than _design_? 4. How does _intent_ specifically
differ from _purpose_? Which term do we use with reference to the Divine
Being?
EXAMPLES.
The architect's ---- involved much detail.
Hell is paved with good ----.
It is the ---- of the voter that decides how his ballot shall be
counted.
The ---- of the Almighty can not be thwarted.
The adaption of means to ends in nature clearly indicates a ----,
and so proves a ----er.
* * * * *
DESPAIR (page 129).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what order might _despair_, _desperation_, _discouragement_, and
_hopelessness_ follow, each as the result of the previous condition? 2.
How does _despondency_ especially differ from _despair_?
EXAMPLES.
The utter ---- of their condition was apparent.
In weak ---- he abandoned all endeavor.
* * * * *
DEXTERITY (page 129).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what is _adroitness_ derived? From what _dexterity_? How might
each be rendered? 2. How does _adroitness_ differ in use from
_dexterity_? 3. From what is _aptitude_ derived, and what does it
signify? 4. How does _skill_ differ from _dexterity_? Which can and
which can not be communicated?
EXAMPLES.
He had a natural ---- for scientific investigation, and by long
practise gained an inimitable ---- of manipulation.
His ---- in debate enabled him to evade or parry arguments or
attacks which he could not answer.
The ---- of the best trained workman can not equal the precision of
a machine.
* * * * *
DICTION (page 130).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which is the more comprehensive word, _diction_, _language_, or
_phraseology_? 2. What is the true meaning of _verbiage_? Should it ever
be used as the equivalent of _language_ or _diction_? 3. What is
_style_? How does it compare with _diction_ or _language_?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- of the discourse was plain and emphatic.
The ---- of a written contract should be such as to prevent
misunderstandings.
The poetic ---- of Milton is so exquisitely perfect that another
word can scarcely ever be substituted for the one he has chosen
without marring the line.
* * * * *
DIFFERENCE (page 131).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which pertain mostly to realities, and which are matters of
judgment--_difference_, _disparity_, _distinction_, or _inconsistency_?
2. What do we mean by "a _distinction_ without a _difference_"?
EXAMPLES.
The proper ---- should be carefully observed in the use of "shall"
and "will."
The ---- between black and white is self-evident.
The ---- of our representatives' conduct with their promises is
unpardonable.
* * * * *
DISCERN (page 133).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what sort of objects do we apply _behold_, _discern_,
_distinguish_, _observe_, and _see_? 2. What do _behold_ and
_distinguish_ suggest in addition to _seeing_?
EXAMPLES.
With the aid of a great telescope we may ---- what stars are double.
---- the upright man.
Let us minutely ---- the color of the goods.
* * * * *
DISCOVER (page 133).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _detect_? _discover_? _invent_? 2.
How do _discover_ and _invent_ differ? 3. Is _detect_ often used in a
favorable sense?
EXAMPLES.
An experienced policeman acquires wonderful skill in ----ing
criminals.
Newton ---- the law of gravitation.
To ---- a machine, one must first understand the laws of mechanics.
* * * * *
DISEASE (page 134).
QUESTIONS.
1. What was the early and general meaning of _sick_ and _sickness_ in
English? 2. How long did that usage prevail? 3. What is the present
restriction upon the use of these words in England? What words are there
commonly substituted? 4. What is the prevalent usage in the United
States?
EXAMPLES.
---- spread in the camp and proved deadlier than the sword.
The ---- was found to be contagious.
He is just recovering from a slight ----.
It is not good manners to talk of one's ----s.
* * * * *
DO (page 135).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the most comprehensive word of this group? 2. In what sense
are _finish_ and _complete_ used, and how are they discriminated from
each other? 3. How do we discriminate between _fulfil_, _realize_,
_effect_, and _execute_? _perform_ and _accomplish_? _accomplish_ and
_complete_?
EXAMPLES.
A duty has been ----, a work of gratitude and affection has been
----.
It is wonderful how much can be ---- by steady, plodding industry
without brilliant talents.
The work is not only grand in design but it is ---- with the most
exquisite delicacy in every detail.
It is the duty of the legislators to make laws, of the magistrates
to ---- them.
Every one should labor to ---- his duties faithfully, and ---- the
just expectations of those who have committed to him any trust.
* * * * *
DOCTRINE (page 136).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what matters do we apply the word _creed_? _doctrine_? _dogma_?
_principle_? 2. Which is the more inclusive word? 3. Is _dogma_ used
favorably or unfavorably?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- rests either upon the authority of the Scriptures, or upon
a decision of the Church.
A man may have upright ----s even while he disregards commonly
received ----s.
* * * * *
DOUBT, _v._ (page 137).
QUESTIONS.
1. Do we apply _doubt_, _distrust_, _surmise_, and _suspect_ mostly to
persons and things, or to motives and intentions? 2. Is _mistrust_ used
of persons or of things? 3. Is it used, in a favorable or an unfavorable
sense?
EXAMPLES.
We do not ---- that the earth moves around the sun.
Nearly every law of nature was by man first ----, then proved to be
true.
I ---- my own heart.
I ---- that man from the outset.
* * * * *
DOUBT, _n._ (page 138).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what class of objects do we apply _disbelief_? _doubt_?
_hesitation_? _misgiving_? 2. Which of these words most commonly implies
an unfavorable meaning? 3. What meaning has _skepticism_ as applied to
religious matters?
EXAMPLES.
We feel no ---- in giving our approval.
The jury had ----s of his guilt.
We did all we could to further the enterprise, but still had our
----s as to the outcome.
* * * * *
DUPLICATE (page 141).
QUESTIONS.
1. Can you give the distinction between a _copy_ and a _duplicate_? a
_facsimile_, and an _imitation_? 2. What sort of a _copy_ is a
_transcript_?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- of an organ by the violinist was perfect.
This key is a ----, and will open the lock.
The signature was merely a printed ----.
* * * * *
DUTY (page 142).
QUESTIONS.
1. Do we use _duty_ and _right_ of civil things? or _business_ and
_obligation_ of moral things? 2. Does _responsibility_ imply connection
with any other person or thing?
EXAMPLES.
I go because it is my ----.
We recognize a ---- for the good conduct of our own children, but do
we not also rest under some ---- to society to exercise a good
influence over the children of others?
* * * * *
EAGER (page 142).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinction between _eager_ and _earnest_ in the nature
of the feeling implied? in the objects toward which it is directed? 2.
How does _anxious_ in this acceptation differ from both _eager_ and
_earnest_?
EXAMPLES.
Hark! the shrill trumpet sounds to horse! away!
My soul's in arms, and ---- for the fray.
I am in ----. I will not equivocate; I will not excuse; I will not
retreat a single inch; and I will be heard!
I am ---- to hear of your welfare, and of the prospects of the
enterprise.
* * * * *
EASE (page 143).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _ease_ denote, in the sense here considered? Does it apply
to action or condition? 2. Is _facility_ active or passive? _readiness_?
3. What does _ease_ imply, and to what may it be limited? 4. What does
_facility_ imply? _readiness_? 5. To what is _expertness_ limited?
EXAMPLES.
He plays the violin with great ----, and delights an audience.
Whatever he did was done with so much ----,
In him alone 'twas natural to please.
It is often said with equal truth that we ought to take advantage of
the ---- which children possess of learning.
* * * * *
EDUCATION (page 143).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _education_? _instruction_?
_teaching_? 2. How is _instruction_ or _teaching_ related to
_education_? 3. How does _training_ differ from _teaching_? 4. What is
_discipline_? _tuition_? 5. What are _breeding_ and _nurture_, and how
do they differ from each other? 6. How are _knowledge_ and _learning_
related to _education_?
EXAMPLES.
The true purpose of ---- is to cherish and unfold the seed of
immortality already sown within us.
By ----, we do learn ourselves to know
And what to man, and what to God we owe.
---- maketh a full man, conference a ready man, and writing an exact
man.
For natural abilities are like natural plants that need pruning by
----; and ----s themselves do give forth directions too much at
large, except they be bounded in by experience.
A branch of ---- is often put to an improper use, for fear of its
being idle.
* * * * *
EFFRONTERY (page 144).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _audacity_? _hardihood_? 2. What special element does
_effrontery_ add to the meaning of _audacity_ and _hardihood_? 3. What
is _impudence_? _shamelessness_? 4. How does _effrontery_ compare with
these words? 5. What is _boldness_? Is it used in a favorable or an
unfavorable sense?
EXAMPLES.
When they saw the ---- of Peter and John, and perceived that they
were unlearned and ignorant men they marvelled.
I ne'er heard yet
That any of these bolder vices wanted
Less ---- to gainsay what they did,
Than to perform it first.
I am not a little surprised at the easy ---- with which political
gentlemen in and out of Congress take it upon them to say that there
are not a thousand men in the North who sympathize with John Brown.
* * * * *
EGOTISM (page 145).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _egoism_ and how does it differ from _egotism_? 2. What is
_self-assertion_? _self-conceit_? 3. Does _conceit_ differ from
_self-conceit_, and how? 4. What is _self-confidence_? Is it worthy or
unworthy? 5. Is _self-assertion_ ever a duty? _self-conceit_? 6. What is
_vanity_? How does it differ from _self-confidence_? from _pride_? 7.
What is _self-esteem_? How does it differ from _self-conceit_? from
_self-confidence_?
EXAMPLES.
---- may puff a man up, but never prop him up.
---- is as ill at ease under indifference, as tenderness is under
the love which it can not return.
* * * * *
EMBLEM (page 146).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what language is _emblem_ derived? What did it originally
signify? 2. What is the derivation and primary meaning of _symbol_? 3.
How do the two words compare as now used? 4. How does a _sign_ suggest
something other than itself? 5. Can the same thing be both an _emblem_
and a _symbol_? a _sign_ and a _symbol_? 6. What is a _token_? a
_figure_? an _image_? a _type_?
EXAMPLES.
Rose of the desert, thou art to me
An ---- of stainless purity, ----
Of those who, keeping their garments white,
Walk on through life with steps aright.
All things are ----s: the external shows
Of nature have their ---- in the mind
As flowers and fruits and falling of the leaves.
Moses, as Israel's deliverer, was a ---- of Christ.
* * * * *
EMIGRATE (page 147).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the distinctive meaning of _migrate_? What is its
application? 2. What do _emigrate_ and _immigrate_ signify? To what do
they apply? Can the two words be used of the same person and the same
act? How?
EXAMPLES.
The ship was crowded with ---- mostly from Germany.
---- are pouring into the United States often at the rate of half a
million a year.
* * * * *
EMPLOY (page 147).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are the distinctive senses of _employ_ and _use_? Give
instances. 2. What does _use_ often imply as to materials _used_? 3. How
does _hire_ compare with _employ_?
EXAMPLES.
The young man had been ---- by the firm for several months and had
proved faithful in every respect.
The church was then ready to ---- a pastor.
What one has, one ought to ----: and whatever he does he should do
with all his might.
* * * * *
END, _v._ (page 148).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _end_, and what reference does _end_ have to intention
or expectation? 2. What do _close_, _complete_, _conclude_, and _finish_
signify as to expectation or appropriateness? Give instances. 3. What
specially distinctive sense has _finish_? 4. Does _terminate_ refer to
reaching an arbitrary or an appropriate end? 5. What does _stop_
signify?
EXAMPLES.
The life was suddenly ----.
The train ---- long enough for the passengers to get off, then
whirled on.
* * * * *
END, _n._ (page 148).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the _end_? 2. What is the distinctive meaning of _extremity_?
3. How does _extremity_ compare with _end_? 4. What reference is implied
in _extremity_? 5. What is the meaning of _tip_? _point_? How does
_extremity_ differ in use from the two latter words? 6. What is a
_terminus_? What specific meaning has the word in modern travel? 7. What
is the meaning of _termination_, and of what is it chiefly used?
_expiration_? _limit_?
EXAMPLES.
Seeing that death, a necessary ---- will come when it will come.
All rejoice at the successful ---- of the vast undertaking.
He that endureth to the ---- shall be saved.
Do not turn back when you are just at the ----.
* * * * *
ENDEAVOR, _v._ (page 149).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _attempt_? to _endeavor_? To what sort of exertion does
_endeavor_ especially apply? 2. How does _essay_ differ from _attempt_
and _endeavor_ in its view of the results of the action? 3. What is
implied in _undertake_? Give an instance. 4. What does _strive_ suggest?
5. How does _try_ compare with the other words of the group?
EXAMPLES.
---- first thyself, and after call on God,
For to the worker God himself lends aid.
---- the end, and never stand to doubt;
Nothing's so hard but search will find it out.
---- to enter in at the strait gate.
* * * * *
ENDEAVOR, _n._ (page 150).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _effort_? an _exertion_? Which includes the other? 2. How
does _attempt_ differ from _effort_? 3. What is a _struggle_? 4. What is
an _essay_, and for what purpose is it made? 5. What is an _endeavor_,
and how is it distinguished from _effort_? from _attempt_?
EXAMPLES.
Youth is a blunder; manhood a ----; old age a regret.
So vast an ---- required more capital than he could command at that
time. Others combining with him enabled him to succeed with it.
After a few spasmodic ----, he abandoned all ---- at improvement.
* * * * *
ENDURE (page 150).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _bear_ as applied to care, pain, grief, and
the like? 2. What does _endure_ add to the meaning of _bear_? 3. How do
_allow_ and _permit_ compare with the words just mentioned? 4. How do
_put up with_ and _tolerate_ compare with _allow_ and _permit_? 5. What
is the special sense of _afford_? How does it come into connection with
the words of this group? 6. What is the sense of _brook_? 7. Of what
words does _abide_ combine the meanings?
EXAMPLES.
Charity ---- long and is kind; charity ---- all things.
I follow thee, safe guide, the path
Thou lead'st me, and to the hand of heav'n ----.
For there was never yet philosopher
That could ---- the toothache patiently.
* * * * *
ENEMY (page 151).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an _enemy_? an _adversary_? 2. What distinction is there
between the two words as to the purpose implied? 3. What is an
_antagonist_? an _opponent_? a _competitor_? a _rival_? 4. How does
_foe_ compare with _enemy_?
EXAMPLES.
He makes no friend who never made a ----.
This friendship that possesses the whole soul,
... can admit of no ----.
Mountains interposed
Make ---- of nations who had else,
Like kindred drops been molded into one.
He that wrestles with us strengthens our nerves and sharpens our
skill. Our ---- is our helper.
* * * * *
ENMITY (page 152).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _enmity_? 2. How does _animosity_ differ from _enmity_? 3.
What is _hostility_? What is meant by _hostilities_ between nations? 4.
What is _bitterness_? _acrimony_? 5. How does _antagonism_ compare with
the words above mentioned?
EXAMPLES.
Let all ----, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking,
be put away from you, with all malice.
But their ----, tho smothered for a while, burnt with redoubled
violence.
The carnal mind is ---- against God, for it is not subject to the
law of God, neither indeed can be.
* * * * *
ENTERTAIN (page 152).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _entertain_ mentally? to _amuse_? 2. What is the
distinctive sense of _divert_? 3. Can one be _amused_ or _entertained_
who is not _diverted_? 4. What is it to _recreate_? to _beguile_?
EXAMPLES.
Books can not always ----, however good;
Minds are not ever craving for their food.
Who God doth late and early pray
More of his grace than gifts to lend;
And ---- the harmless day
With a religious book or friend.
* * * * *
ENTERTAINMENT (page 153).
QUESTIONS.
1. What do _entertainment_ and _recreation_ imply? How, accordingly, do
they rank among the lighter matters of life? 2. How do _amusement_ and
_pastime_ differ? 3. On what plane are _sports_? How do they compare
with _entertainment_ and _recreation_? 4. How do _amusement_ and
_enjoyment_ compare?
EXAMPLES.
At Christmas play, and make good ----,
For Christmas comes but once a year.
It is as ---- to fools to do mischief.
No true heart can find ---- in another's pain or grief.
The Puritans hated bear-baiting, not because it gave pain to the
bear, but because it gave ---- to the spectators.
As Tammie glowered, amazed and curious,
The mirth and ---- grew fast and furious.
And so, if I might be judge, God never did make a more calm, quiet,
innocent ---- than angling.
* * * * *
ENTHUSIASM (page 153).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what sense was _enthusiasm_ formerly used? 2. What is now its
prevalent and controlling meaning? 3. How does _zeal_ differ from
_enthusiasm_?
EXAMPLES.
An ardent ---- leads to great results in exposing certain evils.
His ---- was contagious and they rushed into battle.
The precept had its use; it could make men feel it right to be
humane, and desire to be so, but it could never inspire them with an
---- of humanity.
* * * * *
ENTRANCE (page 154).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what does _entrance_ refer? 2. What do _admittance_ and
_admission_ add to the meaning of _entrance_? 3. To what does
_admittance_ refer? To what additional matters does _admission_ refer?
Illustrate. 4. What is the figurative use of _entrance_?
EXAMPLES.
---- was obtained by a side-door, and a good position secured to the
crowded hall.
No ---- except on business.
He was never so engrossed with cares of state that the needy could
not have ---- to him.
However carefully church-membership may be guarded, unworthy members
will sometimes gain ----.
* * * * *
ENVIOUS (page 155).
QUESTIONS.
1. What do we mean when we say that a person is _envious_? 2. What is
the difference between _envious_ and _jealous_? 3. Is an _envious_
spirit ever good? 4. Is _jealous_ capable of being used in a good
sense? 5. In what sense is _suspicious_ used?
EXAMPLES.
Neither be thou ---- against the workers of iniquity.
---- in honor, sudden and quick in quarrel.
* * * * *
EQUIVOCAL (page 155).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the derivation and the original signification of _equivocal_?
of _ambiguous_? How do the two words compare in present use? 2. What is
the meaning of _enigmatical_? 3. How do _doubtful_ and _dubious_
compare? 4. In what sense is _questionable_ used? _suspicious_?
EXAMPLES.
These sentences, to sugar or to gall,
Being strong on both sides, are ----.
An ---- statement may result from the thoughtless use of a single
word that is capable of more than one meaning.
* * * * *
ESTEEM, _n._ (page 157).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between _esteem_ and _estimate_? 2. Is
_esteem_ now used of concrete valuation? 3. What is its chief present
use? 4. What is its meaning in popular use as said of persons?
EXAMPLES.
They please, are pleas'd; they give to get ----,
Till seeming blest, they grow to what they seem.
The loss of conscience or honor is one that can not be ----.
* * * * *
ETERNAL (page 157).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _eternal_ in the fullest sense? 2. To what
being, in that sense, may it be applied? 3. In what does _everlasting_
fall short of the meaning of _eternal_? 4. How does _endless_ agree with
and differ from _everlasting_? 5. In what inferior senses are
_everlasting_ and _interminable_ used? 6. Is _eternal_, in good speech
or writing, ever brought down to such inferior use?
EXAMPLES.
Truth crushed to earth shall rise again,
The ---- years of God are hers.
Whatever may befall thee, it was preordained for thee from ----.
It were better to be eaten to death with a rust than to be scoured
to nothing with ---- motion.
Here comes the lady! Oh, so light a foot
Will ne'er wear out the ---- flint.
* * * * *
EVENT (page 158).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do _event_ and _incident_ differ etymologically? 2. Which is the
greater and more important? Give examples. 3. How does _circumstance_
compare with _incident_? 4. What is the primary meaning of _occurrence_?
5. What is an _episode_? 6. How does _event_ differ from _end_? 7. What
meaning does _event_ often have when applied to the future?
EXAMPLES.
Fate shall yield
To fickle ----, and Chaos judge the strife.
Men are the sport of ---- when
The ---- seem the sport of men.
Coming ---- cast their shadows before.
Where an equal poise of hope and fear
Does arbitrate the ----, my nature is
That I incline to hope rather than fear,
And gladly banish squint suspicion.
* * * * *
EVERY (page 158).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what are _all_ and _both_ alike? _any_, _each_, and _every_? 2.
How does _any_ differ from _each_ and _every_? 3. How do _each_ and
_every_ differ from _all_? 4. How does _each_ compare with _every_? with
_both_? 5. What does _either_ properly denote? In what other sense is it
often used? What is the objection to the latter use?
EXAMPLES.
---- person in the room arose to his feet.
A free pardon was offered to ---- who should instantly lay down
their arms.
As the garrison marched out, the victorious troops stood in arms on
---- side of the way.
In order to keep his secret inviolate, he revealed it privately to
---- of his most intimate friends.
---- person giving such information shall be duly rewarded.
* * * * *
EVIDENT (page 159).
QUESTIONS.
1. How do _apparent_ and _evident_ compare? 2. What is the special sense
of _manifest_? How does it compare in strength with _evident_? 3. What
is the sense of _obvious_? 4. How wide is the range of _visible_? 5. How
does _discernible_ compare with _visible_? What does it imply as to the
observer's action? 6. What is the sense of _palpable_ and _tangible_?
_conspicuous_?
EXAMPLES.
A paradox is a real truth in the guise of an ---- absurdity or
contradiction.
The prime minister was ---- by his absence.
The statement is a ---- absurdity.
On a comparison of the two works the plagiarism was ----.
Yet from those flames
No light; but only darkness ----.
These lies are like the father that begets them; gross as a
mountain, open, ----.
* * * * *
EXAMPLE (page 160).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the etymological meaning of _example_? 2. What two
contradictory meanings does _example_ derive from this primary sense? 3.
How does _example_ differ from _sample_? 4. How does it compare with
_model_? with _pattern_? 5. How does _exemplar_ agree with, and differ
from _example_? 6. What is an _exemplification_? an _ensample_?
EXAMPLES.
I bid him look into the lives of men as tho himself a mirror, and
from others to take an ---- for himself.
We sleep, but the loom of life never stops and the ---- which was
weaving when the sun went down is weaving when it comes up
to-morrow.
History is an ---- of philosophy.
The commander was resolved to make an ---- to deter others from the
like offense.
* * * * *
EXCESS (page 160).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _excess_? Is it used in the favorable or unfavorable sense?
2. What is _extravagance_? 3. What is _exorbitance_? 4. What kind of
_excess_ do _overplus_ and _superabundance_ denote? _lavishness_ and
_profusion_? 5. Is _surplus_ used in the favorable or unfavorable sense?
6. To what do _redundance_ and _redundancy_ chiefly refer? 7. What words
are used as synonyms of _excess_ in the moral sense?
EXAMPLES.
Saving requires self-denial, and ---- is the death of self-denial.
Where there is great ---- there usually follows corresponding ----.
---- of wealth is cause of covetousness.
Haste brings ----, and ---- brings want.
The ---- of the demand caused unfeigned surprise.
More of the present woes of the world are due to ---- than to any
other single cause.
---- of language often weakens the impression of what would be
impressive in sober statement.
* * * * *
EXECUTE (page 161).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _execute_? of _administer_? of _enforce_? 2.
How are the words applied in special cases? Give instances. 3. What
secondary meaning has _administer_?
EXAMPLES.
It is the place of the civil magistrate to ---- the laws.
The pasha gave a signal and three attendants seized the culprit, and
promptly ---- the bastinado.
I can not illustrate a moral duty without at the same time ----ing a
precept of our religion.
* * * * *
EXERCISE (page 162).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _exercise_ apart from all qualifying words? 2.
How does _exercise_ in that sense differ from _exertion_? 3. How may
_exercise_ be brought up to the full meaning of _exertion_? 4. What is
_practise_? How does it differ from _exercise_? 5. How is _practise_
discriminated from such theory or profession? 6. What is _drill_?
EXAMPLES.
Regular ---- tends to keep body and mind in the best working order.
---- in time becomes second nature.
By constant ---- the most difficult feats may be done with no
apparent ----.
* * * * *
EXPENSE (page 162).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _cost_? _expense_? 2. How are these words now commonly
differentiated? 3. What is the meaning of _outlay_? of _outgo_?
EXAMPLES.
Which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first,
and counteth the ----, whether he have sufficient to finish it.
The entire receipts have not equaled the ----.
When the ---- is more than the income, if the income can not be
increased, it becomes an absolute necessity to reduce the ----.
* * * * *
EXPLICIT (page 162).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what are _explicit_ and _express_ alike opposed? 2. How do the two
words differ from each other?
EXAMPLES.
I came here at this critical juncture by the ---- order of Sir John
St. Clare.
The language of the proposition was too ---- to admit of doubt.
Now the Spirit speaketh ----ly that in the latter times some shall
depart from the faith.
* * * * *
EXTEMPORANEOUS (page 163).
QUESTIONS.
1. What did _extemporaneous_ originally mean? 2. What has it now come to
signify in common use? 3. What is the original meaning of _impromptu_?
The present meaning? 4. How does the _impromptu_ remark often differ
from the _extemporaneous_? 5. How does _unpremeditated_ compare with the
words above mentioned?
EXAMPLES.
In ---- prayer, what men most admire, God least regardeth.
As a speaker, he excelled in ---- address, while his opponent was at
a loss to answer him because not gifted in the same way.
No more on prancing palfrey borne,
He carolled light as lark at morn,
And poured to lord and lady gay
The ---- lay.
* * * * *
EXTERMINATE (page 163).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the derivation, and what is the original meaning of
_exterminate_? _eradicate_? _extirpate_? 2. To what are these words
severally applied?
EXAMPLES.
Since the building of the Pacific railroads in the United States,
the buffalo has been quite ----.
The evil of intemperance is one exceedingly difficult to ----.
No inveterate improver should ever tempt me to ---- the dandelions
from the green carpet of my lawn.
* * * * *
FAINT (page 164).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are the chief meanings of _faint_? 2. How is _faint_ a synonym
of _feeble_ or _purposeless_? of _irresolute_ or _timid_? of _dim_,
_faded_, or _indistinct_?
EXAMPLES.
Great is the strength of ---- arms combined,
And we can combat even with the brave.
In his right hand a tipped staffe he held,
With which his ---- steps he stayed still;
For he was ---- with cold, and weak with eld;
That scarce his loosed limbs he hable was to weld.
* * * * *
FAITH (page 164).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _belief_? 2. How does _credence_ compare with _belief_? 3.
What is _conviction_? _assurance_? 4. What is an _opinion_? 5. How does
a _persuasion_ compare with an _opinion_? 6. What is a _doctrine_? a
_creed_? 7. What are _confidence_ and _reliance_? 8. What is _trust_? 9.
What elements are combined in _faith_? 10. How is _belief_ often used in
popular language as a precise equivalent of _faith_? 11. How is _belief_
discriminated from _faith_ in the strict religious sense?
EXAMPLES.
---- is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen.
Put not your ---- in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there
is no help.
---- is largely involuntary; a mathematical demonstration can not be
doubted by a sane mind capable of understanding the terms and
following the steps.
Every one of us, whatever our speculative ----, knows better than he
practises, and recognizes a better law than he obeys.
There are few greater dangers for an army in the face of an enemy
than undue ----.
* * * * *
FAITHFUL (page 165).
QUESTIONS.
1. In what sense may a person be called _faithful_? 2. In what sense may
one be called _trusty_? 3. Is _faithful_ commonly said of things as well
as persons? is _trusty_? 4. What is the special difference of meaning
between the two words? Give examples.
EXAMPLES.
Be thou ---- unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.
Thy purpose ---- is equal to the deed:
Who does the best his circumstance allows
Does well, acts nobly; angels could no more.
* * * * *
FAME (page 166).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _fame_? Is it commonly used in the favorable or unfavorable
sense? 2. What are _reputation_ and _repute_, and in which sense
commonly used? 3. What is _notoriety_? 4. From what do _eminence_ and
_distinction_ result? 5. How does _celebrity_ compare with _fame_? 6.
How does _renown_ compare with _fame_? 7. What is the import of _honor_?
of _glory_?
EXAMPLES.
Saying, Amen: Blessing and ----, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and
----, and power and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.
A good ---- is more valuable than money.
Great Homer's birthplace seven rival cities claim,
Too mighty such monopoly of ----.
Do good by stealth, and blush to find it ----.
Seeking the bubble ----
Even in the cannon's mouth.
* * * * *
FANATICISM (page 166).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _fanaticism_? _bigotry_? 2. What do _fanaticism_ and
_bigotry_ commonly include? 3. What is _intolerance_? 4. What is the
distinctive meaning of _superstition_? 5. What is _credulity_? Is it
distinctively religious?
EXAMPLES.
---- is a senseless fear of God.
The fierce ---- of the Moslems was the mainspring of their early
conquests.
The ---- that will believe nothing contrary to a creed is often
joined with a blind ---- that will believe anything in favor of it.
* * * * *
FANCIFUL (page 167).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _fanciful_? 2. What does _fantastic_ add to
the meaning of _fanciful_? 3. How does _grotesque_ especially differ
from the _fanciful_ or _fantastic_? 4. How does _visionary_ differ from
_fanciful_?
EXAMPLES.
Come see the north wind's masonry,
... his wild work;
So ----, so savage, naught cares he
For number or proportion.
What ---- tints the year puts on,
When falling leaves falter through motionless air
Or numbly cling and shiver to be gone!
Plays such ---- tricks before high heaven
As make the angels weep.
* * * * *
FANCY (page 167).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is an intellectual _fancy_? 2. How does a _conceit_ differ from
a _fancy_? a _conception_ from both? 3. What is an emotional or personal
_fancy_? 4. What is _fancy_ as a faculty of the mind?
EXAMPLES.
Tell me where is ---- bred;
Or in the heart or in the head?
Elizabeth united the occasional ---- of her sex with that sense and
sound policy in which neither man nor woman ever excelled her.
That fellow seems to me to possess but one ----, and that is a wrong
one.
If she were to take a ---- to anybody in the house, she would soon
settle, but not till then.
* * * * *
FAREWELL (page 168).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what language do _farewell_ and _good-by_ belong etymologically?
How do they differ? 2. From what language have _adieu_ and _conge_ been
adopted into English? 3. What is the special significance of _conge_? 4.
What are _valediction_ and _valedictory_?
EXAMPLES.
---- my paper's out so nearly
I've only room for yours sincerely.
The train from out the castle drew,
But Marmion stopped to bid ----.
----! a word that must be, and hath been--
A sound which makes us linger;--yet------.
* * * * *
FEAR (page 168).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the generic term of this group? 2. What is _fear_? Is it
sudden or lingering? In view of what class of dangers? 3. What is the
etymological meaning of _horror_? What does the word signify in accepted
usage? 4. What are the characteristics of _affright_, _fright_, and
_terror_? 5. How is _fear_ contrasted with _fright_ and _terror_ in
actual or possible effects? 6. What is _panic_? What of the numbers
affected by it? 7. What is _dismay_? How does it compare with _fright_
and _terror_?
EXAMPLES.
Even the bravest men may be swept along in a sudden ----.
With much more ----
I view the fight than thou that mak'st the fray.
Look in, and see Christ's chosen saint
In triumph wear his Christ-like chain;
No ---- lest he should swerve or faint.
The ghastly spectacle filled every beholder with ----.
A lingering ---- crept upon him as he waited in the darkness.
* * * * *
FEMININE (page 169).
QUESTIONS.
1. How are _female_ and _feminine_ discriminated? 2. What is the
difference between a _female_ voice and a _feminine_ voice? 3. How are
_womanly_ and _womanish_ discriminated in use?
EXAMPLES.
Notice, too, how precious are these ---- qualities in the sick room.
The demand for closet-room is no mere ---- fancy, but the good sense
of the sex.
* * * * *
FETTER (page 169).
QUESTIONS.
1. What are _fetters_ in the primary sense? 2. What are _manacles_ and
_handcuffs_ designed to fasten or hold? _gyves_? 3. What are _shackles_
and what are they intended to fasten or hold? 4. Of what material are
all these restraining devices commonly composed? By what general name
are they popularly known? 5. What are _bonds_ and of what material
composed? 6. Which of these words are used in the metaphorical sense?
EXAMPLES.
But first set my poor heart free,
Bound in those icy ---- by thee.
Slaves can not breathe in England
. . .
They touch our country, and their ---- fall.
* * * * *
FEUD (page 170).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _feud_? Of what is it used? 2. Is a _quarrel_ in word or
act? _contention_? _strife_? _contest_? 3. How does _quarrel_ compare in
importance with the other words cited? 4. What does an _affray_ always
involve? To what may a _brawl_ or _broil_ be confined? 5. How do these
words compare in dignity with _contention_, _contest_, _controversy_,
and _dissension_?
EXAMPLES.
Could we forbear ---- and practise love
We should agree as angels do above.
"Between my house and yours," he answered,
"There is a ---- of five hundred years."
Beware of entrance to a ----.
* * * * *
FICTION (page 170).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _fiction_ in the most common modern meaning of the word? 2.
How does a _fiction_ differ from a _novel_? from a _fable_? from a
_myth_? 3. How does a _myth_ differ from a _legend_? 4. How do
_falsehood_ and _fabrication_ differ from the words above mentioned? 5.
Is _fabrication_ or _falsehood_ the more odious term? Which term is
really the stronger? 6. What is a _story_? Is it good or bad, true or
false? With what words of the group does it agree?
EXAMPLES.
O scenes surpassing ----, and yet true,
Scenes of accomplished bliss.
A ---- strange is told of thee.
I believe the whole account from beginning to end to be a pure ----.
A thing sustained by such substantial evidence could not be a mere
---- of the imagination.
* * * * *
FIERCE (page 171).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _fierce_ signify? 2. To what does _ferocious_ refer? How do
the two words differ? 3. What does _savage_ signify?
EXAMPLES.
---- was the day; the wintry sea
Moaned sadly on New England's strand,
When first the thoughtful and the free,
Our fathers, trod the desert land.
Contentions ----,
Ardent, and dire, spring from no petty cause.
The ---- savages massacred the survivors to the last man.
* * * * *
FINANCIAL (page 172).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what does _monetary_ directly refer? 2. How does _pecuniary_ agree
with and differ from _monetary_? 3. To what does _financial_ especially
apply? 4. In what connection is _fiscal_ most commonly used?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- year closes with the society out of debt.
He was rejoiced to receive the ---- aid at a time when it was most
needed.
In a ---- panic, many a sound business house goes down for want of
power to realize instantly on valuable securities.
* * * * *
FINE (page 172).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what is _fine_ derived, and what is its original meaning? 2.
How, from this primary meaning does _fine_ become a synonym of
_excellent_ and _beautiful_? 3. How does it come into connection with
_clarified_, _clear_, _pure_, _refined_? 4. How is it connected with
_dainty_, _delicate_, and _exquisite_? 5. How does _fine_ come to be a
synonym for _minute_, _comminuted_? How for _filmy_, _tenuous_? for
_keen_, _sharp_? Give instances of the use of _fine_ in its various
senses.
EXAMPLES.
Some people are more ---- than wise.
---- feathers do not always make ---- birds.
The ----est balances must be kept under glass, because so ----ly
adjusted as to be ---- to a film of dust or a breath of air.
* * * * *
FIRE (page 173).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the essential fact underlying the visible phenomena which we
call _fire_? 2. What is _combustion_? 3. How wide is its range of
meaning? 4. What is a _conflagration_?
EXAMPLES.
He's gone, and who knows how he may report
Thy words by adding fuel to the ----?
Lo! as he comes, in Heaven's array,
And scattering wide the ---- of day.
* * * * *
FLOCK (page 173).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the most general word of this group? 2. What is a _group_,
and of what class of objects may it be composed? 3. To what class of
animals does _brood_ apply? to what class does _litter_ apply? 4. Of
what is _bevy_ used? _flock_? 5. To what is _herd_ limited? 6. Of what
is _pack_ used? 7. What is a _drove_?
EXAMPLES.
What is not good for the ---- is not good for the bee.
He heard the bleating of the ----s and the twitter of birds among
the trees.
The lowing ---- winds slowly o'er the lea.
Excited ----s gathered at the corners discussing the affair.
A ---- of brightly clad women and children were enjoying a picnic
under the trees.
* * * * *
FLUCTUATE (page 173).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _fluctuate_? 2. In what one characteristic do
_swerve_ and _veer_ differ from _oscillate_, _fluctuate_, _undulate_,
and _waver_? 3. What is the difference in mental action between
_hesitate_ and _waver_? between _vacillate_ and _waver_? 4. Which of the
above-mentioned words apply to persons? which to feelings?
EXAMPLES.
Thou almost mak'st me ---- in my faith.
The surface of the prairies rolls and ---- to the eye.
It is almost universally true that the human mind ---- at the moment
of committing a crime.
The vessel suddenly ---- from her course.
* * * * *
FLUID (page 174).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _fluid_? 2. Into what two sections are _fluids_ divided? 3.
What is a _liquid_? a _gas_? 4. Are all _liquids_ _fluids_? 5. Are
_gases_ _fluids_? 6. Are _gases_ ever _liquids_? 7. What substance is at
once a _liquid_ and a _fluid_ at the ordinary temperature and pressure?
EXAMPLES.
Now nature paints her colors, how the bee
Sits on the bloom, extracting ---- sweet.
This earth was once a ---- haze of light.
* * * * *
FOLLOW (page 174).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _follow_? 2. How does _follow_ compare with _chase_ and
_pursue_? 3. As regards succession in time, what is the difference
between _follow_ and _ensue_? _result_?
EXAMPLES.
Say, shall my little bark attendant sail,
---- the triumph and partake the gale?
When Youth and Pleasure meet
To ---- the glowing Hours with flying feet.
"Then ---- me, the Prince,"
I answered; "each be hero in his turn!
Seven and yet one, like shadows in a dream."
* * * * *
FORMIDABLE (page 176).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _formidable_? 2. How does _formidable_ differ
from _dangerous_? _terrible_? _tremendous_? Give examples.
EXAMPLES.
All delays are ---- in war.
---- as an army with banners.
The great fleet moved slowly toward the forts, a ---- array.
* * * * *
FORTIFICATION (page 176).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does a _fortress_ specifically differ from a _fortification_? 2.
What is the distinctive meaning of _citadel_? 3. What is a _fort_? 4.
What is a _fastness_ or _stronghold_?
EXAMPLES.
For a man's house is his ----.
A mighty ---- is our God,
A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood
Of mortal ills prevailing.
Alva built a ---- in the heart of Antwerp to overawe the city.
* * * * *
FORTITUDE (page 176).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _fortitude_? 2. How does it compare with _courage_? 3. How do
_resolution_ and _endurance_ compare?
EXAMPLES.
Unbounded ---- and compassion join'd,
Tempering each other in the victor's mind.
Tell thy story;
If thine, consider'd, prove the thousandth part
Of my ----, thou art a man, and I
Have suffer'd like a girl.
Thou didst smile,
Infused with a ---- from heaven,
When I had decked the sea with drops full salt.
* * * * *
FORTUNATE (page 177).
QUESTIONS.
1. How does _fortunate_ compare with _successful_? 2. How are _lucky_
and _fortunate_ discriminated? 3. In what special sense, and with what
reference are _favored_ and _prospered_ used?
EXAMPLES.
It is not a ---- word this same "impossible;" no good comes of those
that have it so often in their mouth.
Ah, ---- years! once more who would not be a boy?
I have a mind presages me such thrift
That I should questionless be ----.
* * * * *
FRAUD (page 177).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _fraud_? How does it differ from _deceit_ or _deception_?
2. What is the design of an _imposture_? 3. What is _dishonesty_? a
_cheat_? a _swindle_? How do all these fall short of the meaning of
_fraud_? 4. Of what relations is _treachery_ used? _treason_?
EXAMPLES.
---- doth never prosper: what's the reason?
Why, if it prosper none dare call it ----.
Whoever has once become notorious by base ----, even if he speaks
truth gains no belief.
The first and the worst of all ---- is to cheat oneself.
* * * * *
FRIENDLY (page 178).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _friendly_ signify as applied to persons, or as applied to
acts? 2. How does the adjective _friendly_ compare in strength with the
noun _friend_? 3. What is the special meaning of _accessible_? of
_companionable_ and _sociable_? of _cordial_ and _genial_?
EXAMPLES.
He that hath friends must show himself ----.
A fellow feeling makes one wondrous ----.
* * * * *
FRIENDSHIP (page 179).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _friendship_? 2. In what one quality does it differ from
_affection_, _attachment_, _devotion_, and _friendliness_? 3. What is
the meaning of _comity_ and _amity_? 4. How does _friendship_ differ
from _love_?
EXAMPLES.
Talk not of wasted ----, ---- never was wasted;
If it enrich not the heart of another, its waters returning
Back to their springs, like the rain, shall fill them full of
refreshment.
----, peculiar boon of heaven,
The noble mind's delight and pride,
To men and angels only given,
To all the lower world denied.
* * * * *
FRIGHTEN (page 180).
QUESTIONS.
1. By what is one _frightened_? by what _intimidated_? 2. What is it to
_browbeat_ or _cow_? 3. What is it to _scare_ or _terrify_?
EXAMPLES.
The child was ---- by the stories the nurse told.
The loud, loud winds, that o'er the billows sweep--
Shake the firm nerve, ---- the bravest soul!
* * * * *
FRUGALITY (page 180).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _economy_? 2. What is _frugality_? 3. What is _parsimony_?
How does it compare with _frugality_? What is the motive of _parsimony_?
4. What is _miserliness_? 5. What is the special characteristic of
_prudence_ and _providence_? of _thrift_? 6. What is the motive of
_economy_?
EXAMPLES.
There are but two ways of paying debt: increase of industry in
raising, increase of ---- in laying out.
By close ---- the little home was at last paid for and there was a
great thanksgiving time.
* * * * *
GARRULOUS (page 181).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _garrulous_ signify? _chattering_? 2. How do _talkative_
and _loquacious_ differ from _garrulous_, and from each other? 3. What
is the special application of _verbose_?
EXAMPLES.
To tame a shrew, and charm her ---- tongue.
Guard against a feeble fluency, a ---- prosiness, a facility of
saying nothing.
* * * * *
GENDER (page 181).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _sex_? 2. To what beings only does _sex_ apply? 3. What is
_gender_? To what does it apply? Do the distinctions of _gender_
correspond to the distinctions of _sex_? Give examples of languages
containing three _genders_, and of the classification in languages
containing but two.
EXAMPLES.
The maternal relation naturally and necessarily divides the work of
the ----s giving to woman the indoor life, and to man, the work of
the outer world.
While in French every word is either of the masculine or feminine
----, the language sometimes fails for that very reason to indicate
the ---- of some person referred to.
* * * * *
GENERAL (page 181).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _general_ signify? 2. How does _general_ compare with
_universal_? with _common_? 3. What illustrations of the differences are
given in the text?
EXAMPLES.
---- friendships will admit of division, one may love the beauty of
this, the good humor of that person, ... and so on.
A ---- feeling of unrest prevailed.
Death comes to all by ---- law.
* * * * *
GENEROUS (page 182).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the primary meaning of _generous_? the common meaning? 2. How
does _generous_ differ from _liberal_? 3. What is the distinctive sense
of _munificent_? 4. What does _munificent_ tell of the motive or spirit
of the giver? What does _generous_ tell? 5. How does _disinterested_
compare with _generous_? 6. What is the distinctive meaning of
_magnanimous_? How does it differ from _generous_ as regards dealing
with insults or injuries?
EXAMPLES.
To cunning men
I will be very kind; and ----
To mine own children, in good bringing up.
A ---- friendship no cold medium knows,
Burns with one love, with one resentment glows.
The conqueror proved as ---- in victory as he was terrible in
battle.
* * * * *
GENIUS (page 183).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _genius_? 2. What is _talent_? 3. Which is the higher
quality? 4. Which is the more dependent upon training?
EXAMPLES.
The eternal Master found
His single ---- well employ'd.
No great ---- was ever without some mixture of madness.
* * * * *
GET (page 183).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a person said to _get_? 2. How is _get_ related to
expectation or desire? How is _gain_ related to those words? 3. By what
processes does one _acquire_? Is the thing _acquired_ sought or desired,
or not? 4. What does one _earn_? 5. Does a person always _get_ what he
_earns_ or always _earn_ what he _gets_? 6. What does _obtain_ imply? Is
the thing one _obtains_ an object of _desire_? How does _obtain_ differ
from _get_? 7. What does _win_ imply? How is one said to _win_ a suit at
law? What is the correct term in legal phrase? Why? 8. By what special
element does _procure_ differ from _obtain_? 9. What is especially
implied in _secure_?
EXAMPLES.
He ---- a living as umbrella mender but a poor living it is.
---- wisdom and with all thy getting, ---- understanding.
In the strange city he found that all his learning would not ----
him a dinner.
* * * * *
GIFT (page 184).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _gift_? Is _gift_ used in the good or the bad sense? Does
the legal agree with the popular sense? 2. What synonymous word is
always used in the evil sense? 3. What is a _benefaction_? a _donation_?
What difference of usage is recognized between the two words? 4. What is
a _gratuity_, and to whom given? 5. What is the sense and use of
_largess_? 6. What is a _present_, and to whom given? 7. What is the
special sense of _boon_? 8. What is a _grant_, and by whom made?
EXAMPLES.
He gave us only over beast, fish, fowl,
Dominion absolute; that right we hold
By his ----.
True love's the ---- which God has given
To man alone beneath the heaven.
"----, ----, noble knights," cried the heralds.
The courts of justice had fallen so low that it was practically
impossible to win a cause without a ----.
* * * * *
GIVE (page 185).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the primary meaning of _give_? the secondary meaning? 2. Can
we _give_ what is undesired? 3. Can we _give_ what we are paid for? 4.
How is _give_ always understood when there is no limitation in the
context? 5. Is it correct to say "He _gave_ it to me for nothing"? 6.
What is to _grant_? 7. What is implied when we speak of _granting_ a
favor? 8. What is to _confer_? 9. What is especially implied in
_impart_? in _bestow_?
EXAMPLES.
My God shall ---- all your need according to his riches in glory by
Christ Jesus.
---- to every man that asketh of thee, and from him that would
borrow of thee, turn not thou away.
The court promptly ---- the injunction.
The king ---- upon him the honor of knighthood.
One of the pleasantest things in life is to ---- instruction to
those who really desire to learn.
* * * * *
GOVERN (page 185).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does the word _govern_ imply? How does it differ from _control_?
2. How do _command_ and _control_ differ? 3. How do _rule_ and _govern_
differ? 4. What is the special significance of _sway_? of _mold_? 5.
What is it to _manage_? 6. What is the present meaning of _reign_? How
does it compare with _rule_?
EXAMPLES.
He that ---- his spirit is greater than he that taketh a city.
For some must follow, and some ----
Tho all are made of clay.
Daniel Webster well described the character of "Old Hickory" in the
sentence, "I do not say that General Jackson did not mean to ----
his country well, but I do say that General Jackson meant to ----
his country."
* * * * *
GRACEFUL (page 186).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _graceful_ denote? How is it especially distinguished from
_beautiful_?
EXAMPLES.
How ---- upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good
tidings that publisheth peace.
A ---- myrtle rear'd its head.
* * * * *
GRIEF (page 187).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _grief_? 2. How does _grief_ compare with _sorrow_? with
_sadness_? with _melancholy_? 3. What two chief senses has _affliction_?
4. What is implied in _mourning_, in its most common acceptation?
EXAMPLES.
We glory in ---- also.
For our light ---- which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far
more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.
What private ---- they have, alas! I know not, that made them do it.
* * * * *
HABIT (page 187).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _custom_? _routine_? Which is the more mechanical? 2. What
element does _habit_ add to _custom_ and _routine_? 3. Should we
preferably use _custom_ or _habit_ of a society? of an individual? 4.
What is _fashion_? _rule_? _system_? 5. What are _use_ and _usage_, and
how do they differ from each other? 6. What is _practise_? 7. What is
the distinctive meaning of _wont_?
EXAMPLES.
Every ---- is preserved and increased by correspondent actions, as
the ---- of walking by walking, of running by running.
Montaigne is wrong in declaring that ---- ought to be followed
simply because it is ----, and not because it is reasonable or just.
Lord Brougham says "The longer I live the more careful I am to
entrust everything that I really care to do to the beneficent power
of ----."
---- makes perfect.
Without ---- little that is valuable is ever learned or done.
* * * * *
HAPPEN (page 188).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does _happen_ signify? 2. How does it differ from _chance_? 3.
What is the distinctive meaning of _betide_? 4. How do both _befall_ and
_betide_ differ from _happen_ in grammatical construction? 5. What is
the meaning of _supervene_? 6. Is _transpire_ correctly used in the
sense of _happen_? When may an event be properly said to _transpire_?
EXAMPLES.
Whatever ---- at all ---- as it should.
Thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bear grain, it may ----
of wheat, or of some other grain.
Ill ---- the graceless renegade!
It ---- that a secret treaty had been previously concluded between
the powers.
If mischief ---- him, thou shalt bring down my gray hairs with
sorrow to the grave.
* * * * *
HAPPINESS (page 189).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _gratification_? _satisfaction_? 2. What is _happiness_? 3.
How does _happiness_ differ from _comfort_? 4. How does _comfort_ differ
from _enjoyment_? 5. How does _pleasure_ compare with _comfort_ and
_enjoyment_? with _happiness_? 6. What do _gratification_ and
_satisfaction_ express? How do they compare with each other? 7. How does
_happiness_ compare with _gratification_, _satisfaction_, _comfort_, and
_pleasure_? with _delight_ and _joy_? 8. What is _delight_? _ecstasy_?
_rapture_? 9. What is _triumph_? _blessedness_? _bliss_?
EXAMPLES.
Sweet is ---- after pain.
Virtue alone is ---- below.
Hope elevates and ---- brightens his crest.
The storm raged without, but within the house all was brightness and
----.
There is no ---- so sweet and abiding as that of doing good.
This is the very ---- of love.
* * * * *
HAPPY (page 190).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the original meaning of _happy_? With what words is it allied
in this sense? 2. In what way is _happy_ a synonym of _blessed_? 3. What
is the meaning of _happy_ in its most frequent present use?
EXAMPLES.
---- are they that mourn for they shall be comforted.
To what ---- accident is it that we owe so unexpected a visit.
A ---- heart maketh a ---- countenance.
I would not spend another such a night,
Tho 'twere to buy a world of ---- days.
* * * * *
HARMONY (page 191).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _harmony_? 2. How does _harmony_ compare with _agreement_? 3.
How do _concord_ and _accord_ compare with _harmony_ and with each
other? 4. What is _conformity_? _congruity_? 5. What is _consistency_?
6. What is _unanimity_? 7. How do _consent_ and _concurrence_ compare?
EXAMPLES.
We have made a covenant with death and with hell are we at ----.
Tyrants have made desperate efforts to secure outward ---- in
religious observances without ---- of religious belief.
That action and counteraction which, in the natural and in the
political world, from the reciprocal struggle of discordant powers
draws out the ---- of the universe.
The speaker was, by general ----, allowed to proceed.
* * * * *
HARVEST (page 192).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the original meaning of _harvest_? its later meaning? 2. How
does _harvest_ compare with _crop_? 3. What is _produce_? How does it
differ from _product_? 4. What is the meaning of _proceeds_? _yield_?
_return_? 5. Is _harvest_ capable of figurative use, and in what sense?
6. What is the special meaning of _harvest-home_? _harvest-tide_?
_harvest-time_?
EXAMPLES.
Just tickle the earth with a hoe, and she laughs with an abundant
----.
And the ripe ---- of the new-mown hay gives it a sweet and wholesome
odor.
It soweth here with toil and care
But the ---- of love is there.
Of no distemper, of no blast he died,
But fell like autumn ---- that mellowed long.
* * * * *
HATRED (page 193).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _repugnance_? _aversion_? 2. How does _hatred_ compare with
_aversion_ as applied to persons? as applied to things? 3. What is
_malice_? _malignity_? 4. What is _spite_? 5. What are _grudge_,
_resentment_, and _revenge_, and how do they compare with one another?
EXAMPLES.
Heaven has no ---- like love to ---- turned.
The slight put upon him filled him with deep ----.
He ne'er bore ---- for stalwart blow
Ta'en in fair fight from gallant foe.
In all cases of wilful injury to person or property, the law
presumes ----.
I felt from our first meeting an instinctive ---- for the man, which
on acquaintance deepened into a settled ----.
* * * * *
HAVE (page 194).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what is _have_ applied? How widely inclusive a word is it? 2. What
does _possess_ signify? 3. What is to _hold_? to _occupy_? 4. How does
_be in possession_ compare with _possess_? 5. How does _own_ compare
with _possess_ or with _be in possession_? 6. What is the difference
between the statement that a man _has_ reason, and the statement that he
_is in possession_ of his reason?
EXAMPLES.
Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I ---- is thine.
I earnestly entreat you, for your own sakes, to ---- yourselves of
solid reasons.
He occupies the house, but does not ---- it.
* * * * *
HAZARD (page 194).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _hazard_? 2. How does _hazard_ compare with
_danger_? 3. How do _risk_ and _venture_ compare with _chance_ and
_hazard_, and with each other? 4. How do _accident_ and _casualty_
differ? 5. What is a _contingency_?
EXAMPLES.
We must take the current when it serves or lose our ----.
I have set my life upon a cast, and I will stand the ---- of the
die.
There is no ---- in doing known duty.
Do you think it necessary to provide for every ---- before taking
the first step?
* * * * *
HEALTHY (page 195).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _healthy_? of _healthful_? Are the words
properly interchangeable? 2. What are the chief synonyms of _healthy_?
of _healthful_? 3. In what sense is _salubrious_ used, and to what is it
applied? 4. To what realm does _salutary_ belong?
EXAMPLES.
In books, or work, or ---- play let my first years be passed.
Blessed is the ---- nature; it is the coherent, sweetly cooperative,
not the self-distracting one.
* * * * *
HELP (page 195).
QUESTIONS.
1. Is _help_ or _aid_ the stronger term? 2. Which is used in excitement
or emergency? 3. Does _help_ include _aid_ or does _aid_ include _help_?
4. Which implies the seconding of another's exertions? Do we _aid_ or
_help_ the helpless? 5. How do _cooperate_ and _assist_ differ? 6. To
what do _encourage_ and _uphold_ refer? _succor_ and _support_?
EXAMPLES.
He does not prevent a crime when he can ---- it.
Know then whatever cheerful and serene ---- the mind ---- the body
too.
* * * * *
HERETIC (page 196).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is a _heretic_? a _schismatic_? 2. In what does a _heretic_
differ from his church or religious body? a _schismatic_? 3. How do a
_heretic_ and a _schismatic_ often differ in action? 4. How are the
terms _dissenter_ and _non-conformist_ usually applied?
EXAMPLES.
A man that is an ----, after the first and second admonition,
reject.
Churchmen and ---- alike resisted the tyranny of James II.
* * * * *
HETEROGENEOUS (page 196).
QUESTIONS.
1. When are substances _heterogeneous_ as regards each other? 2. When is
a mixture, as cement, said to be _heterogeneous_? when _homogeneous_? 3.
What is the special significance of _non-homogeneous_? 4. How does
_miscellaneous_ differ from _heterogeneous_?
EXAMPLES.
My second son received a sort of ---- education at home.
Courtier and patriot can not mix
Their ---- politics
Without an effervescence.
* * * * *
HIDE (page 197).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which is the most general term of this group, and what does it
signify? 2. Is an object _hidden_ by intention, or in what other way or
ways, if any? 3. Does _conceal_ evince intention? 4. How does _secrete_
compare with _conceal_? How is it chiefly used? 5. What is it to
_cover_? to _screen_?
EXAMPLES.
Men use thought only as authority for their injustice, and employ
speech only to ---- their thoughts.
Ye little stars! ---- your diminished rays.
* * * * *
HIGH (page 198).
QUESTIONS.
1. What kind of a term is _high_? What does it signify? Give instances
of the relative use of the word. 2. How does _high_ compare with
_deep_? To what objects may these words be severally applied? 3. What is
the special significance of _tall_? 4. What element does _lofty_ add to
the meaning of _high_ or _tall_? 5. How do _elevated_ and _eminent_
compare in the literal sense? in the figurative? 6. How do the words
above mentioned compare with _exalted_? 7. What contrasted uses has
_high_ in the figurative sense? 8. What is _towering_ in the literal,
and in the figurative sense?
EXAMPLES.
A pillar'd shade, ---- overarched, and echoing walks between.
A daughter of the gods, divinely ---- and most divinely fair.
What is that which the breeze on the ---- steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
He knew
Himself to sing, and build the ---- rime.
* * * * *
HINDER (page 199).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is it to _hinder_? 2. How does _hinder_ differ from _delay_? 3.
How does _hinder_ compare with _prevent_? 4. What is the meaning of
_retard_? 5. What is it to _obstruct_? to _resist_? How do these two
words compare with each other?
EXAMPLES.
---- the Devil, and he will flee from you.
My tears must stop, for every drop
---- my needle and thread.
It is the study of mankind to ---- that advance of age or death
which can not be ----.
* * * * *
HISTORY (page 200).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is _history_? How does it relate events? To what class of events
does it apply? 2. How does _history_ differ from _annals_ or
_chronicles_?
EXAMPLES.
Happy the people whose ---- are dulled.
---- is little else than a picture of human crimes and misfortunes.
---- is philosophy teaching by example.
* * * * *
HOLY (page 200).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is the meaning of _sacred_? 2. How does it compare with _holy_?
3. Which term do we apply directly to God? 4. In what sense is _divine_
loosely used? What is its more appropriate sense?
EXAMPLES.
The ---- time is quiet as a nun breathless with adoration.
A ---- burden is this life ye bear.
All sects and churches of Christendom hold to some form of the
doctrine of the ---- inspiration of the Christian Scriptures.
* * * * *