Chapter III: Part I: Synonyms, Antonyms and Prepositions (1)

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ABANDON.

Synonyms:

abdicate, desert, leave, resign, abjure, discontinue, quit, retire from, cast off, forego, recant, retract, cease, forsake, relinquish, surrender, cede, forswear, renounce, vacate, depart from, give up, repudiate, withdraw from.

_Abandon_ is a word of wide signification, applying to persons or things of any kind; _abdicate_ and _resign_ apply to office, authority, or power; _cede_ to territorial possessions; _surrender_ especially to military force, and more generally to any demand, claim, passion, etc. _Quit_ carries an idea of suddenness or abruptness not necessarily implied in _abandon_, and may not have the same suggestion of finality. The king _abdicates_ his throne, _cedes_ his territory, _deserts_ his followers, _renounces_ his religion, _relinquishes_ his titles, _abandons_ his designs. A cowardly officer _deserts_ his ship; the helpless passengers _abandon_ it. We _quit_ business, _give up_ property, _resign_ office, _abandon_ a habit or a trust. _Relinquish_ commonly implies reluctance; the fainting hand _relinquishes_ its grasp; the creditor _relinquishes_ his claim. _Abandon_ implies previous association with responsibility for or control of; _forsake_ implies previous association with inclination or attachment, real or assumed; a man may _abandon_ or _forsake_ house or friends; he _abandons_ an enterprise; _forsakes_ God. _Abandon_ is applied to both good and evil action; a thief _abandons_ his designs, a man his principles. _Forsake_, like _abandon_, may be used either in the favorable or unfavorable sense; _desert_ is always unfavorable, involving a breach of duty, except when used of mere localities; as, "the Deserted Village." While a monarch _abdicates_, a president or other elected or appointed officer _resigns_. It was held that James II. _abdicated_ his throne by _deserting_ it.

Antonyms:

adopt, defend, occupy, seek, advocate, favor, prosecute, support, assert, haunt, protect, undertake, cherish, hold, pursue, uphold, claim, keep, retain, vindicate. court, maintain,

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ABASE.

Synonyms:

bring low, depress, dishonor, lower, cast down, discredit, humble, reduce, debase, disgrace, humiliate, sink. degrade,

_Abase_ refers only to outward conditions. "Exalt him that is low, and _abase_ him that is high." _Ezek._ xxi, 26. _Debase_ applies to quality or character. The coinage is _debased_ by excess of alloy, the man by vice. _Humble_ in present use refers chiefly to feeling of heart; _humiliate_ to outward conditions; even when one is said to _humble_ himself, he either has or affects to have humility of heart. To _disgrace_ may be to bring or inflict odium upon others, but the word is chiefly and increasingly applied to such moral odium as one by his own acts brings upon himself; the noun _disgrace_ retains more of the passive sense than the verb; he _disgraced_ himself by his conduct; he brought _disgrace_ upon his family. To _dishonor_ a person is to deprive him of honor that should or might be given. To _discredit_ one is to injure his reputation, as for veracity or solvency. A sense of unworthiness _humbles_; a shameful insult _humiliates_; imprisonment for crime _disgraces_. _Degrade_ may refer to either station or character. An officer is _degraded_ by being _reduced_ to the ranks, _disgraced_ by cowardice; vile practises _degrade_; drunkenness is a _degrading_ vice. Misfortune or injustice may _abase_ the good; nothing but their own ill-doing can _debase_ or _disgrace_ them.

Antonyms:

advance, elevate, honor, raise, aggrandize, exalt, promote, uplift. dignify,

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ABASH.

Synonyms:

bewilder, daunt, embarrass, mortify, chagrin, discompose, humble, overawe, confound, disconcert, humiliate, shame. confuse, dishearten,

Any sense of inferiority _abashes_, with or without the sense of wrong. The poor are _abashed_ at the splendor of wealth, the ignorant at the learning of the wise. "I might have been _abashed_ by their authority." GLADSTONE _Homeric Synchron._, p. 72. [H. '76.] To _confuse_ is to bring into a state of mental bewilderment; to _confound_ is to overwhelm the mental faculties; to _daunt_ is to subject to a certain degree of fear. _Embarrass_ is a strong word, signifying primarily hamper, hinder, impede. A solitary thinker may be _confused_ by some difficulty in a subject, or some mental defect; one is _embarrassed_ in the presence of others, and because of their presence. Confusion is of the intellect, embarrassment of the feelings. A witness may be _embarrassed_ by annoying personalities, so as to become _confused_ in statements. To _mortify_ a person is to bring upon him a painful sense of humiliation, whether because of his own or another's fault or failure. A pupil is _confused_ by a perplexing question, a general _confounded_ by overwhelming defeat. A hostess is _discomposed_ by the tardiness of guests, a speaker _disconcerted_ by a failure of memory. The criminal who is not _abashed_ at detection may be _daunted_ by the officer's weapon. Sudden joy may _bewilder_, but will not _abash_. The true worshiper is _humbled_ rather than _abashed_ before God. The parent is _mortified_ by the child's rudeness, the child _abashed_ at the parent's reproof. The _embarrassed_ speaker finds it difficult to proceed. The mob is _overawed_ by the military, the hypocrite _shamed_ by exposure. "A man whom no denial, no scorn could _abash_." FIELDING _Amelia_ bk. iii, ch. 9, p. 300. [B. & S. '71.] Compare CHAGRIN; HINDER.

Antonyms:

animate, cheer, encourage, rally, buoy, embolden, inspirit, uphold.

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ABATE.

Synonyms:

decline, ebb, mitigate, reduce, decrease, lessen, moderate, subside. diminish, lower,

The storm, the fever, the pain _abates_. Interest _declines_. Misfortunes may be _mitigated_, desires _moderated_, intense anger _abated_, population _decreased_, taxes _reduced_. We _abate_ a nuisance, _terminate_ a controversy, _suppress_ a rebellion. See ALLEVIATE.

Antonyms:

aggravate, enhance, foment, rage, amplify, enlarge, increase, raise, continue, extend, magnify, revive. develop,

Prepositions:

Abate _in_ fury; abated _by_ law.

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ABBREVIATION.

Synonyms:

abridgment, contraction.

An _abbreviation_ is a shortening by any method; a _contraction_ is a reduction of size by the drawing together of the parts. A _contraction_ of a word is made by omitting certain letters or syllables and bringing together the first and last letters or elements; an _abbreviation_ may be made either by omitting certain portions from the interior or by cutting off a part; a _contraction_ is an _abbreviation_, but an _abbreviation_ is not necessarily a _contraction_; _rec't_ for receipt, _mdse._ for merchandise, and _Dr._ for debtor are _contractions_; they are also _abbreviations_; _Am._ for American is an _abbreviation_, but not a _contraction_. _Abbreviation_ and _contraction_ are used of words and phrases, _abridgment_ of books, paragraphs, sentences, etc. Compare ABRIDGMENT.

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ABET.

Synonyms:

advocate, countenance, incite, sanction, aid, embolden, instigate, support, assist, encourage, promote, uphold.

_Abet_ and _instigate_ are now used almost without exception in a bad sense; one may _incite_ either to good or evil. One _incites_ or _instigates_ to the doing of something not yet done, or to increased activity or further advance in the doing of it; one _abets_ by giving sympathy, countenance, or substantial aid to the doing of that which is already projected or in process of commission. _Abet_ and _instigate_ apply either to persons or actions, _incite_ to persons only; one _incites_ a person _to_ an action. A clergyman will _advocate_ the claims of justice, _aid_ the poor, _encourage_ the despondent, _support_ the weak, _uphold_ the constituted authorities; but he will not _incite_ to a quarrel, _instigate_ a riot, or _abet_ a crime. The originator of a crime often _instigates_ or _incites_ others to _abet_ him in it, or one may _instigate_ or _incite_ others to a crime in the commission of which he himself takes no active part. Compare HELP.

Antonyms:

baffle, deter, dissuade, hinder, confound, disapprove, expose, impede, counteract, disconcert, frustrate, obstruct. denounce, discourage,

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ABHOR.

Synonyms:

abominate, dislike, loathe, scorn, despise, hate, nauseate, shun. detest,

_Abhor_ is stronger than _despise_, implying a shuddering recoil, especially a moral recoil. "How many _shun_ evil as inconvenient who do not _abhor_ it as hateful." TRENCH _Serm. in Westm. Abbey_ xxvi, 297. [M.] _Detest_ expresses indignation, with something of contempt. _Loathe_ implies disgust, physical or moral. We _abhor_ a traitor, _despise_ a coward, _detest_ a liar. We _dislike_ an uncivil person. We _abhor_ cruelty, _hate_ tyranny. We _loathe_ a reptile or a flatterer. We _abhor_ Milton's heroic Satan, but we can not _despise_ him.

Antonyms:

admire, crave, esteem, love, approve, desire, like, relish. covet, enjoy,

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ABIDE.

Synonyms:

anticipate, dwell, remain, stop, await, endure, reside, tarry, bear, expect, rest, tolerate, bide, inhabit, sojourn, wait, confront, live, stay, watch. continue, lodge,

To _abide_ is to remain continuously without limit of time unless expressed by the context: "to-day I must _abide_ at thy house," _Luke_ xix, 5; "a settled place for thee to _abide_ in forever," _1 Kings_ viii, 13; "_Abide_ with me! fast falls the eventide," LYTE _Hymn_. _Lodge_, _sojourn_, _stay_, _tarry_, and _wait_ always imply a limited time; _lodge_, to pass the night; _sojourn_, to _remain_ temporarily; _live_, _dwell_, _reside_, to have a permanent home. _Stop_, in the sense of _stay_ or _sojourn_, is colloquial, and not in approved use. Compare ENDURE; REST.

Antonyms:

abandon, forfeit, migrate, reject, avoid, forfend, move, resist, depart, journey, proceed, shun.

Prepositions:

Abide _in_ a place, _for_ a time, _with_ a person, _by_ a statement.

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ABOLISH.

Synonyms:

abate, eradicate, prohibit, stamp out, abrogate, exterminate, remove, subvert, annihilate, extirpate, repeal, supplant, annul, nullify, reverse, suppress, destroy, obliterate, revoke, terminate. end, overthrow, set aside,

_Abolish_, to do away with, bring absolutely to an end, especially as something hostile, hindering, or harmful, was formerly used of persons and material objects, a usage now obsolete except in poetry or highly figurative speech. _Abolish_ is now used of institutions, customs, and conditions, especially those wide-spread and long existing; as, to _abolish_ slavery, ignorance, intemperance, poverty. A building that is burned to the ground is said to be _destroyed_ by fire. _Annihilate_, as a philosophical term, signifies to put absolutely out of existence. As far as our knowledge goes, matter is never _annihilated_, but only changes its form. Some believe that the wicked will be _annihilated_. _Abolish_ is not said of laws. There we use _repeal_, _abrogate_, _nullify_, etc.: _repeal_ by the enacting body, _nullify_ by revolutionary proceedings; a later statute _abrogates_, without formally _repealing_, any earlier law with which it conflicts. An appellate court may _reverse_ or _set aside_ the decision of an inferior court. _Overthrow_ may be used in either a good or a bad sense; _suppress_ is commonly in a good, _subvert_ always in a bad sense; as, to _subvert_ our liberties; to _suppress_ a rebellion. The law _prohibits_ what may never have existed; it _abolishes_ an existing evil. We _abate_ a nuisance, _terminate_ a controversy. Compare CANCEL; DEMOLISH; EXTERMINATE.

Antonyms:

authorize, establish, reinstate, revive, cherish, institute, renew, set up, confirm, introduce, repair, support, continue, legalize, restore, sustain. enact, promote,

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ABOMINATION.

Synonyms:

abhorrence, curse, hatred, plague, abuse, detestation, horror, shame, annoyance, disgust, iniquity, villainy, aversion, evil, nuisance, wickedness. crime, execration, offense,

_Abomination_ (from the L. _ab omen_, a thing of ill omen) was originally applied to anything held in religious or ceremonial _aversion_ or _abhorrence_; as, "The things which are highly esteemed among men are _abomination_ in the sight of God." _Luke_ xvi, 15. The word is oftener applied to the object of such _aversion_ or _abhorrence_ than to the state of mind that so regards it; in common use _abomination_ signifies something very much disliked or loathed, or that deserves to be. Choice food may be an object of _aversion_ and _disgust_ to a sick person; vile food would be an _abomination_. A toad is to many an object of _disgust_; a foul sewer is an _abomination_. As applied to crimes, _abomination_ is used of such as are especially brutal, shameful, or revolting; theft is an _offense_; infanticide is an _abomination_.

Antonyms:

affection, blessing, enjoyment, joy, appreciation, delight, esteem, satisfaction, approval, desire, gratification, treat. benefit,

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ABRIDGMENT.

Synonyms:

abbreviation, compend, epitome, summary, abstract, compendium, outline, synopsis. analysis, digest,

An _abridgment_ gives the most important portions of a work substantially as they stand. An _outline_ or _synopsis_ is a kind of sketch closely following the plan. An _abstract_ or _digest_ is an independent statement of what the book contains. An _analysis_ draws out the chief thoughts or arguments, whether expressed or implied. A _summary_ is the most condensed statement of results or conclusions. An _epitome_, _compend_, or _compendium_ is a condensed view of a subject, whether derived from a previous publication or not. We may have an _abridgment_ of a dictionary, but not an _analysis_, _abstract_, _digest_, or _summary_. We may have an _epitome_ of religion, a _compendium_ of English literature, but not an _abridgment_. Compare ABBREVIATION.

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ABSOLUTE.

Synonyms:

arbitrary, compulsory, haughty, peremptory, arrogant, controlling, imperative, positive, authoritative, despotic, imperious, supreme, autocratic, dictatorial, irresponsible, tyrannical, coercive, dogmatic, lordly, unconditional, commanding, domineering, overbearing, unequivocal. compulsive, exacting,

In the strict sense, _absolute_, free from all limitation or control, and _supreme_, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; _absolute_ then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and _supreme_ exalted over all other; as, an _absolute_ monarch, the _supreme_ court. _Absolute_, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as _absolute_ power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates. _Autocratic_ power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; _arbitrary_ power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, _arbitrary_ carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. _Despotic_ is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by _tyrannical_. _Arbitrary_ may be used in a good sense; as, the pronunciation of proper names is _arbitrary_; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an _arbitrary_ proceeding. _Irresponsible_ power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be _irresponsible_; an _irresponsible_ ruler is likely to be _tyrannical_. A perfect ruler might be _irresponsible_ and not _tyrannical_. _Authoritative_ is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; _imperative_, _peremptory_, and _positive_ are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an _authoritative_ definition; an _imperative_ demand; a _peremptory_ command; _positive_ instructions; _imperious_ signifies assuming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An _imperious_ demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an _arrogant_ demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an _arbitrary_ demand by its unreasonableness; an _imperious_ disposition is liable to become _arbitrary_ and _arrogant_. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an _imperious_ manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. _Commanding_ is always used in a good sense; as, a _commanding_ appearance; a _commanding_ eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

Antonyms:

accountable, constitutional, gentle, lowly, responsible, complaisant, contingent, humble, meek, submissive, compliant, docile, lenient, mild, yielding. conditional, ductile, limited,

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ABSOLVE.

Synonyms:

acquit, exculpate, forgive, pardon, clear, exempt, free, release, discharge, exonerate, liberate, set free.

To _absolve_, in the strict sense, is to _set free_ from any bond. One may be _absolved_ from a promise by a breach of faith on the part of one to whom the promise was made. To _absolve_ from sins is formally to remit their condemnation and penalty, regarded as a bond upon the soul. "Almighty God ... _pardoneth_ and _absolveth_ all those who truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel." _Book of Common Prayer, Declar. of Absol._ To _acquit_ of sin or crime is to _free_ from the accusation of it, pronouncing one guiltless; the innocent are rightfully _acquitted_; the guilty may be mercifully _absolved_. Compare PARDON.

Antonyms:

accuse, charge, condemn, impeach, obligate, bind, compel, convict, inculpate, oblige.

Preposition:

One is absolved _from_ (rarely _of_) a promise, a sin, etc.

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ABSORB.

Synonyms:

consume, engross, suck up, take in, drink in, exhaust, swallow, take up. drink up, imbibe, swallow up,

A fluid that is _absorbed_ is _taken up_ into the mass of the _absorbing_ body, with which it may or may not permanently combine. Wood expands when it _absorbs_ moisture, iron when it _absorbs_ heat, the substance remaining perhaps otherwise substantially unchanged; quicklime, when it _absorbs_ water, becomes a new substance with different qualities, hydrated or slaked lime. A substance is _consumed_ which is destructively appropriated by some other substance, being, or agency, so that it ceases to exist or to be recognized as existing in its original condition; fuel is _consumed_ in the fire, food in the body; _consume_ is also applied to whatever is removed from the market for individual use; as, silk and woolen goods are _consumed_. A great talker _engrosses_ the conversation. A credulous person _swallows_ the most preposterous statement. A busy student _imbibes_ or _drinks in_ knowledge; he is _absorbed_ in a subject that takes his whole attention. "I only postponed it because I happened to get _absorbed_ in a book." KANE _Grinnell Exped._ ch. 43, page 403. [H. '54.]

Antonyms:

cast out, dissipate, emit, put forth, shoot forth, disgorge, distract, exude, radiate, throw off, disperse, eject, give up, send out, vomit.

Prepositions:

Plants absorb moisture _from_ the air; the student is absorbed _in_ thought; nutriment may be absorbed _into_ the system _through_ the skin.

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ABSTINENCE.

Synonyms:

abstemiousness, frugality, self-denial, sobriety, continence, moderation, self-restraint, temperance. fasting, self-control,

_Abstinence_ from food commonly signifies going without; _abstemiousness_, partaking moderately; _abstinence_ may be for a single occasion, _abstemiousness_ is habitual _moderation_. _Self-denial_ is giving up what one wishes; _abstinence_ may be refraining from what one does not desire. _Fasting_ is _abstinence_ from food for a limited time, and generally for religious reasons. _Sobriety_ and _temperance_ signify maintaining a quiet, even temper by moderate indulgence in some things, complete _abstinence_ from others. We speak of _temperance_ in eating, but of _abstinence_ from vice. _Total abstinence_ has come to signify the entire abstaining from intoxicating liquors.

Antonyms:

drunkenness, greed, reveling, sensuality, excess, intemperance, revelry, wantonness. gluttony, intoxication, self-indulgence,

Preposition:

The negative side of virtue is abstinence _from_ vice.

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ABSTRACT, _v._

Synonyms:

appropriate, distract, purloin, steal, detach, divert, remove, take away, discriminate, eliminate, separate, withdraw. distinguish,

The central idea of _withdrawing_ makes _abstract_ in common speech a euphemism for _appropriate_ (unlawfully), _purloin_, _steal_. In mental processes we _discriminate_ between objects by _distinguishing_ their differences; we _separate_ some one element from all that does not necessarily belong to it, _abstract_ it, and view it alone. We may _separate_ two ideas, and hold both in mind in comparison or contrast; but when we _abstract_ one of them, we drop the other out of thought. The mind is _abstracted_ when it is _withdrawn_ from all other subjects and concentrated upon one, _diverted_ when it is drawn away from what it would or should attend to by some other interest, _distracted_ when the attention is divided among different subjects, so that it can not be given properly to any. The trouble with the _distracted_ person is that he is not _abstracted_. Compare DISCERN.

Antonyms:

add, complete, fill up, restore, unite. combine, conjoin, increase, strengthen,

Prepositions:

The purse may be abstracted _from_ the pocket; the substance _from_ the accidents; a book _into_ a compend.

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ABSTRACTED.

Synonyms:

absent, heedless, listless, preoccupied, absent-minded, inattentive, negligent, thoughtless. absorbed, indifferent, oblivious,

As regards mental action, _absorbed_, _abstracted_, and _preoccupied_ refer to the cause, _absent_ or _absent-minded_ to the effect. The man _absorbed_ in one thing will appear _absent_ in others. A _preoccupied_ person may seem _listless_ and _thoughtless_, but the really _listless_ and _thoughtless_ have not mental energy to be _preoccupied_. The _absent-minded_ man is _oblivious_ of ordinary matters, because his thoughts are elsewhere. One who is _preoccupied_ is intensely busy in thought; one may be _absent-minded_ either through intense concentration or simply through inattention, with fitful and aimless wandering of thought. Compare ABSTRACT.

Antonyms:

alert, on hand, ready, wide-awake. attentive, prompt, thoughtful,

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ABSURD.

Synonyms:

anomalous, ill-considered, ludicrous, ridiculous, chimerical, ill-judged, mistaken, senseless, erroneous, inconclusive, monstrous, stupid, false, incorrect, nonsensical, unreasonable, foolish, infatuated, paradoxical, wild. ill-advised, irrational, preposterous,

That is _absurd_ which is contrary to the first principles of reasoning; as, that a part should be greater than the whole is _absurd_. A _paradoxical_ statement appears at first thought contradictory or _absurd_, while it may be really true. Anything is _irrational_ when clearly contrary to sound reason, _foolish_ when contrary to practical good sense, _silly_ when petty and contemptible in its folly, _erroneous_ when containing error that vitiates the result, _unreasonable_ when there seems a perverse bias or an intent to go wrong. _Monstrous_ and _preposterous_ refer to what is overwhelmingly _absurd_; as, "_O monstrous!_ eleven buckram men grown out of two," SHAKESPEARE _1 King Henry IV_, act ii, sc. 4. The _ridiculous_ or the _nonsensical_ is worthy only to be laughed at. The lunatic's claim to be a king is _ridiculous_; the Mother Goose rimes are _nonsensical_. Compare INCONGRUOUS.

Antonyms:

certain, incontrovertible, rational, substantial, consistent, indisputable, reasonable, true, demonstrable, indubitable, sagacious, undeniable, demonstrated, infallible, sensible, unquestionable, established, logical, sound, wise. incontestable,

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ABUSE.

Synonyms:

aggrieve, impose on _or_ oppress, ruin, damage, upon, persecute, slander, defame, injure, pervert, victimize, defile, malign, prostitute, vilify, disparage, maltreat, rail at, violate, harm, misemploy, ravish, vituperate, ill-treat, misuse, reproach, wrong. ill-use, molest, revile,

_Abuse_ covers all unreasonable or improper use or treatment by word or act. A tenant does not _abuse_ rented property by "reasonable wear," though that may _damage_ the property and _injure_ its sale; he may _abuse_ it by needless defacement or neglect. It is possible to _abuse_ a man without _harming_ him, as when the criminal _vituperates_ the judge; or to _harm_ a man without _abusing_ him, as when the witness tells the truth about the criminal. _Defame_, _malign_, _rail at_, _revile_, _slander_, _vilify_, and _vituperate_ are used always in a bad sense. One may be justly _reproached_. To _impose on_ or to _victimize_ one is to _injure_ him by _abusing_ his confidence. To _persecute_ one is to _ill-treat_ him for opinion's sake, commonly for religious belief; to _oppress_ is generally for political or pecuniary motives. "Thou shalt not _oppress_ an hired servant that is poor and needy," _Deut._ xxiv, 14. _Misemploy_, _misuse_, and _pervert_ are commonly applied to objects rather than to persons. A dissolute youth _misemploys_ his time, _misuses_ his money and opportunities, _harms_ his associates, _perverts_ his talents, _wrongs_ his parents, _ruins_ himself, _abuses_ every good gift of God.

Antonyms:

applaud, conserve, favor, protect, sustain, benefit, consider, laud, regard, tend, care for, eulogize, panegyrize, respect, uphold, cherish, extol, praise, shield, vindicate.

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ACCESSORY.

Synonyms:

abetter _or_ abettor, associate, companion, henchman, accomplice, attendant, confederate, participator, ally, coadjutor, follower, partner, assistant, colleague, helper, retainer.

_Colleague_ is used always in a good sense, _associate_ and _coadjutor_ generally so; _ally_, _assistant_, _associate_, _attendant_, _companion_, _helper_, either in a good or a bad sense; _abetter_, _accessory_, _accomplice_, _confederate_, almost always in a bad sense. _Ally_ is oftenest used of national and military matters, or of some other connection regarded as great and important; as, _allies_ of despotism. _Colleague_ is applied to civil and ecclesiastical connections; members of Congress from the same State are _colleagues_, even though they may be bitter opponents politically and personally. An _Associate_ Justice of the Supreme Court is near in _rank_ to the Chief Justice. A surgeon's _assistant_ is a physician or medical student who shares in the treatment and care of patients; a surgeon's _attendant_ is one who rolls bandages and the like. _Follower_, _henchman_, _retainer_ are persons especially devoted to a chief, and generally bound to him by necessity, fee, or reward. _Partner_ has come to denote almost exclusively a business connection. In law, an _abettor_ (the general legal spelling) is always present, either actively or constructively, at the commission of the crime; an _accessory_ never. An _accomplice_ is usually a principal; an _accessory_ never. If present, though only to stand outside and keep watch against surprise, one is an _abettor_, and not an _accessory_. At common law, an _accessory_ implies a principal, and can not be convicted until after the conviction of the principal; the _accomplice_ or _abettor_ can be convicted as a principal. _Accomplice_ and _abettor_ have nearly the same meaning, but the former is the popular, the latter more distinctively the legal term. Compare APPENDAGE; AUXILIARY.

Antonyms:

adversary, chief, foe, leader, principal, antagonist, commander, hinderer, opponent, rival. betrayer, enemy, instigator, opposer,

Prepositions:

An accessory _to_ the crime; _before_ or _after_ the fact; the accessories _of_ a figure _in_ a painting.

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ACCIDENT.

Synonyms:

adventure, contingency, happening, misfortune, calamity, disaster, hazard, mishap, casualty, fortuity, incident, possibility. chance, hap, misadventure,

An _accident_ is that which happens without any one's direct intention; a _chance_ that which happens without any known cause. If the direct cause of a railroad _accident_ is known, we can not call it a _chance_. To the theist there is, in strictness, no _chance_, all things being by divine causation and control; but _chance_ is spoken of where no special cause is manifest: "By _chance_ there came down a certain priest that way," _Luke_ x, 31. We can speak of a game of _chance_, but not of a game of _accident_. An _incident_ is viewed as occurring in the regular course of things, but subordinate to the main purpose, or aside from the main design. _Fortune_ is the result of inscrutable controlling forces. _Fortune_ and _chance_ are nearly equivalent, but _chance_ can be used of human effort and endeavor as _fortune_ can not be; we say "he has a _chance_ of success," or "there is one _chance_ in a thousand," where we could not substitute _fortune_; as personified, _Fortune_ is regarded as having a fitful purpose, _Chance_ as purposeless; we speak of fickle _Fortune_, blind _Chance_; "_Fortune_ favors the brave." The slaughter of men is an _incident_ of battle; unexpected defeat, the _fortune_ of war. Since the unintended is often the undesirable, _accident_ tends to signify some _calamity_ or _disaster_, unless the contrary is expressed, as when we say a fortunate or happy _accident_. An _adventure_ is that which may turn out ill, a _misadventure_ that which does turn out ill. A slight disturbing _accident_ is a _mishap_. Compare EVENT; HAZARD.

Antonyms:

appointment, decree, intention, ordainment, preparation, calculation, fate, law, ordinance, provision, certainty, foreordination, necessity, plan, purpose.

Prepositions:

The accident _of_ birth; an accident _to_ the machinery.

* * * * *

ACQUAINTANCE.

Synonyms:

association, experience, fellowship, intimacy, companionship, familiarity, friendship, knowledge.

_Acquaintance_ between persons supposes that each knows the other; we may know a public man by his writings or speeches, and by sight, but can not claim _acquaintance_ unless he personally knows us. There may be pleasant _acquaintance_ with little _companionship_; and conversely, much _companionship_ with little _acquaintance_, as between busy clerks at adjoining desks. So there may be _association_ in business without _intimacy_ or _friendship_. _Acquaintance_ admits of many degrees, from a slight or passing to a familiar or intimate _acquaintance_; but _acquaintance_ unmodified commonly signifies less than _familiarity_ or _intimacy_. As regards persons, _familiarity_ is becoming restricted to the undesirable sense, as in the proverb, "_Familiarity_ breeds contempt;" hence, in personal relations, the word _intimacy_, which refers to mutual knowledge of thought and feeling, is now uniformly preferred. _Friendship_ includes _acquaintance_ with some degree of _intimacy_, and ordinarily _companionship_, though in a wider sense _friendship_ may exist between those who have never met, but know each other only by word and deed. _Acquaintance_ does not involve _friendship_, for one may be well acquainted with an enemy. _Fellowship_ involves not merely _acquaintance_ and _companionship_, but sympathy as well. There may be much _friendship_ without much _fellowship_, as between those whose homes or pursuits are far apart. There may be pleasant _fellowship_ which does not reach the fulness of _friendship_. Compare ATTACHMENT; FRIENDSHIP; LOVE. As regards studies, pursuits, etc., _acquaintance_ is less than _familiarity_, which supposes minute _knowledge_ of particulars, arising often from long _experience_ or _association_.

Antonyms:

ignorance, ignoring, inexperience, unfamiliarity.

Prepositions:

Acquaintance _with_ a subject; _of_ one person _with_ another; _between_ persons.

* * * * *

ACRIMONY.

Synonyms:

acerbity, harshness, severity, tartness, asperity, malignity, sharpness, unkindness, bitterness, moroseness, sourness, virulence. causticity,

_Acerbity_ is a _sharpness_, with a touch of _bitterness_, which may arise from momentary annoyance or habitual impatience; _asperity_ is keener and more pronounced, denoting distinct irritation or vexation; in speech _asperity_ is often manifested by the tone of voice rather than by the words that are spoken. _Acrimony_ in speech or temper is like a corrosive acid; it springs from settled character or deeply rooted feeling of aversion or unkindness. One might speak with momentary _asperity_ to his child, but not with _acrimony_, unless estrangement had begun. _Malignity_ is the extreme of settled ill intent; _virulence_ is an envenomed hostility. _Virulence_ of speech is a quality in language that makes the language seem as if exuding poison. _Virulence_ is outspoken; _malignity_ may be covered with smooth and courteous phrase. We say intense _virulence_, deep _malignity_. _Severity_ is always painful, and may be terrible, but carries ordinarily the implication, true or false, of justice. Compare ANGER; BITTER; ENMITY.

Antonyms:

amiability, gentleness, kindness, smoothness, courtesy, good nature, mildness, sweetness.

* * * * *

ACT, _n._

Synonyms:

accomplishment, execution, movement, achievement, exercise, operation, action, exertion, performance, consummation, exploit, proceeding, deed, feat, transaction, doing, motion, work. effect,

An _act_ is strictly and originally something accomplished by an exercise of power, in which sense it is synonymous with _deed_ or _effect_. _Action_ is a _doing_. _Act_ is therefore single, individual, momentary; _action_ a complex of _acts_, or a process, state, or habit of exerting power. We say a virtuous _act_, but rather a virtuous course of _action_. We speak of the _action_ of an acid upon a metal, not of its _act_. _Act_ is used, also, for the simple _exertion_ of power; as, an _act_ of will. In this sense an _act_ does not necessarily imply an external _effect_, while an _action_ does. Morally, the _act_ of murder is in the determination to kill; legally, the _act_ is not complete without the striking of the fatal blow. _Act_ and _deed_ are both used for the thing done, but _act_ refers to the power put forth, _deed_ to the result accomplished; as, a voluntary _act_, a bad _deed_. In connection with other words _act_ is more usually qualified by the use of another noun, _action_ by an adjective preceding; we may say a kind _act_, though oftener an _act_ of kindness, but only a kind _action_, not an _action_ of kindness. As between _act_ and _deed_, _deed_ is commonly used of great, notable, and impressive _acts_, as are _achievement_, _exploit_, and _feat_.

_Festus_: We live in _deeds_, not years; in thoughts, not breaths.

BAILEY _Festus, A Country Town_, sc. 7.

A _feat_ exhibits strength, skill, personal power, whether mental or physical, especially the latter; as, a _feat_ of arms, a _feat_ of memory. An _exploit_ is a conspicuous or glorious _deed_, involving valor or heroism, usually combined with strength, skill, loftiness of thought, and readiness of resource; an _achievement_ is the doing of something great and noteworthy; an _exploit_ is brilliant, but its effect may be transient; an _achievement_ is solid, and its effect enduring. _Act_ and _action_ are both in contrast to all that is merely passive and receptive. The intensest _action_ is easier than passive endurance.

Antonyms:

cessation, immobility, inertia, quiet, suffering, deliberation, inaction, passion,[A] repose, suspension. endurance, inactivity, quiescence, rest,

[A] In philosophic sense.

* * * * *

ACTIVE.

Synonyms:

agile, energetic, officious, sprightly, alert, expeditious, prompt, spry, brisk, industrious, quick, supple, bustling, lively, ready, vigorous, busy, mobile, restless, wide awake. diligent, nimble,

_Active_ refers to both quickness and constancy of action; in the former sense it is allied with _agile_, _alert_, _brisk_, etc.; in the latter, with _busy_, _diligent_, _industrious_. The _active_ love employment, the _busy_ are actually employed, the _diligent_ and the _industrious_ are habitually _busy_. The _restless_ are _active_ from inability to keep quiet; their activity may be without purpose, or out of all proportion to the purpose contemplated. The _officious_ are undesirably _active_ in the affairs of others. Compare ALERT; ALIVE; MEDDLESOME.

Antonyms:

dull, inactive, lazy, slow, heavy, indolent, quiescent, sluggish, idle, inert, quiet, stupid.

Prepositions:

Active _in_ work, _in_ a cause; _for_ an object, as _for_ justice; _with_ persons or instrumentalities; _about_ something, as _about_ other people's business.

* * * * *

ACUMEN.

Synonyms:

acuteness, insight, perspicacity, sharpness, cleverness, keenness, sagacity, shrewdness. discernment, penetration,

_Sharpness_, _acuteness_, and _insight_, however keen, and _penetration_, however deep, fall short of the meaning of _acumen_, which implies also ability to use these qualities to advantage. There are persons of keen _insight_ and great _penetration_ to whom these powers are practically useless. _Acumen_ is _sharpness_ to some purpose, and belongs to a mind that is comprehensive as well as keen. _Cleverness_ is a practical aptitude for study or learning. _Insight_ and _discernment_ are applied oftenest to the judgment of character; _penetration_ and _perspicacity_ to other subjects of knowledge. _Sagacity_ is an uncultured skill in using quick perceptions for a desired end, generally in practical affairs; _acumen_ may increase with study, and applies to the most erudite matters. _Shrewdness_ is _keenness_ or _sagacity_, often with a somewhat evil bias, as ready to take advantage of duller intellects. _Perspicacity_ is the power to see clearly through that which is difficult or involved. We speak of the _acuteness_ of an observer or a reasoner, the _insight_ and _discernment_ of a student, a clergyman, or a merchant, the _sagacity_ of a hound, the _keenness_ of a debater, the _shrewdness_ of a usurer, the _penetration_, _perspicacity_, and _acumen_ of a philosopher.

Antonyms:

bluntness, dulness, obtuseness, stupidity.

* * * * *

ADD.

Synonyms:

adjoin, annex, augment, extend, make up, affix, append, cast up, increase, subjoin, amplify, attach, enlarge, join on, sum up.

To _add_ is to _increase_ by _adjoining_ or _uniting_: in distinction from multiply, which is to _increase_ by repeating. To _augment_ a thing is to _increase_ it by any means, but this word is seldom used directly of material objects; we do not _augment_ a house, a farm, a nation, etc. We may _enlarge_ a house, a farm, or an empire, _extend_ influence or dominion, _augment_ riches, power or influence, _attach_ or _annex_ a building to one that it _adjoins_ or papers to the document they refer to, _annex_ a clause or a codicil, _affix_ a seal or a signature, _annex_ a territory, _attach_ a condition to a promise. A speaker may _amplify_ a discourse by a fuller treatment throughout than was originally planned, or he may _append_ or _subjoin_ certain remarks without change of what has gone before. We _cast up_ or _sum up_ an account, though _add up_ and _make up_ are now more usual expressions.

Antonyms:

abstract, diminish, lessen, remove, withdraw. deduct, dissever, reduce, subtract,

Preposition:

Other items are to be added _to_ the account.

* * * * *

ADDICTED.

Synonyms:

abandoned, devoted, given over, inclined, accustomed, disposed, given up, prone, attached, given, habituated, wedded.

One is _addicted_ to that which he has allowed to gain a strong, habitual, and enduring hold upon action, inclination, or involuntary tendency, as to a habit or indulgence. A man may be _accustomed_ to labor, _attached_ to his profession, _devoted_ to his religion, _given_ to study or to gluttony (in the bad sense, _given over_, or _given up_, is a stronger and more hopeless expression, as is _abandoned_). One _inclined_ to luxury may become _habituated_ to poverty. One is _wedded_ to that which has become a second nature; as, one is _wedded_ to science or to art. _Prone_ is used only in a bad sense, and generally of natural tendencies; as, our hearts are _prone_ to evil. _Abandoned_ tells of the acquired viciousness of one who has given himself up to wickedness. _Addicted_ may be used in a good, but more frequently a bad sense; as, _addicted_ to study; _addicted_ to drink. _Devoted_ is used chiefly in the good sense; as, a mother's _devoted_ affection.

Antonyms:

averse, disinclined, indisposed, unaccustomed.

Preposition:

Addicted _to_ vice.

* * * * *

ADDRESS, _v._

Synonyms:

cost, approach, hail, speak to, apostrophize, court, salute, woo. appeal, greet,

To _accost_ is to speak first, to friend or stranger, generally with a view to opening conversation; _greet_ is not so distinctly limited, since one may return another's _greeting_; _greet_ and _hail_ may imply but a passing word; _greeting_ may be altogether silent; to _hail_ is to _greet_ in a loud-voiced and commonly hearty and joyous way, as appears in the expression "_hail_ fellow, well met." To _salute_ is to _greet_ with special token of respect, as a soldier his commander. To _apostrophize_ is to solemnly _address_ some person or personified attribute apart from the audience to whom one is speaking; as, a preacher may _apostrophize_ virtue, the saints of old, or even the Deity. To _appeal_ is strictly to call for some form of help or support. _Address_ is slightly more formal than _accost_ or _greet_, though it may often be interchanged with them. One may _address_ another at considerable length or in writing; he _accosts_ orally and briefly.

Antonyms:

avoid, elude, overlook, pass by, cut, ignore, pass, shun.

Prepositions:

Address the memorial _to_ the legislature; the president addressed the people _in_ an eloquent speech; he addressed an intruder _with_ indignation.

* * * * *

ADDRESS, _n._

Synonyms:

adroitness, discretion, manners, readiness, courtesy, ingenuity, politeness, tact. dexterity,

_Address_ is that indefinable something which enables a man to gain his object without seeming exertion or contest, and generally with the favor and approval of those with whom he deals. It is a general power to direct to the matter in hand whatever qualities are most needed for it at the moment. It includes _adroitness_ and _discretion_ to know what to do or say and what to avoid; _ingenuity_ to devise; _readiness_ to speak or act; the _dexterity_ that comes of practise; and _tact_, which is the power of fine touch as applied to human character and feeling. _Courtesy_ and _politeness_ are indispensable elements of good _address_. Compare SPEECH.

Antonyms:

awkwardness, clumsiness, ill-breeding, stupidity, boorishness, fatuity, ill manners, unmannerliness, clownishness, folly, rudeness, unwisdom.

Prepositions:

Address _in_ dealing with opponents; the address _of_ an accomplished intriguer; an address _to_ the audience.

* * * * *

ADEQUATE.

Synonyms:

able, competent, fitted, satisfactory, adapted, equal, fitting, sufficient, capable, fit, qualified, suitable. commensurate,

_Adequate_, _commensurate_, and _sufficient_ signify _equal_ to some given occasion or work; as, a sum _sufficient_ to meet expenses; an _adequate_ remedy for the disease. _Commensurate_ is the more precise and learned word, signifying that which exactly measures the matter in question. _Adapted_, _fit_, _suitable_, and _qualified_ refer to the qualities which match or suit the occasion. A clergyman may have strength _adequate_ to the work of a porter; but that would not be a _fit_ or _suitable_ occupation for him. Work is _satisfactory_ if it satisfies those for whom it is done, though it may be very poor work judged by some higher standard. _Qualified_ refers to acquired abilities; _competent_ to both natural and acquired; a _qualified_ teacher may be no longer _competent_, by reason of ill health. _Able_ and _capable_ suggest general ability and reserved power, _able_ being the higher word of the two. An _able_ man will do something well in any position. A _capable_ man will come up to any ordinary demand. We say an _able_ orator, a _capable_ accountant.

Antonyms:

disqualified, inferior, unequal, unsatisfactory, useless, inadequate, insufficient, unfit, unsuitable, worthless. incompetent, poor, unqualified,

Prepositions:

Adequate _to_ the demand; _for_ the purpose.

* * * * *

ADHERENT.

Synonyms:

aid, ally, disciple, partisan, supporter. aider, backer, follower,

An _adherent_ is one who is devoted or attached to a person, party, principle, cause, creed, or the like. One may be an _aider_ and _supporter_ of a party or church, while not an _adherent_ to all its doctrines or claims. An _ally_ is more independent still, as he may differ on every point except the specific ground of union. The _Allies_ who overthrew Napoleon were united only against him. _Allies_ are regarded as equals; _adherents_ and _disciples_ are followers. The _adherent_ depends more on his individual judgment, the _disciple_ is more subject to command and instruction; thus we say the _disciples_ rather than the _adherents_ of Christ. _Partisan_ has the narrow and odious sense of adhesion to a party, right or wrong. One may be an _adherent_ or _supporter_ of a party and not a _partisan_. _Backer_ is a sporting and theatrical word, personal in its application, and not in the best usage. Compare ACCESSORY.

Antonyms:

adversary, betrayer, enemy, opponent, traitor. antagonist, deserter, hater, renegade,

Prepositions:

Adherents _to_ principle; adherents _of_ Luther.

* * * * *

ADHESIVE.

Synonyms:

cohesive, gummy, sticky, viscous. glutinous, sticking, viscid,

_Adhesive_ is the scientific, _sticking_ or _sticky_ the popular word. That which is _adhesive_ tends to join itself to the surface of any other body with which it is placed in contact; _cohesive_ expresses the tendency of particles of the same substance to hold together. Polished plate glass is not _adhesive_, but such plates packed together are intensely _cohesive_. An _adhesive_ plaster is in popular language a _sticking_-plaster. _Sticky_ expresses a more limited, and generally annoying, degree of the same quality. _Glutinous_, _gummy_, _viscid_, and _viscous_ are applied to fluid or semi-fluid substances, as pitch or tar.

Antonyms:

free, inadhesive, loose, separable.

Preposition:

The stiff, wet clay, adhesive _to_ the foot, impeded progress.

* * * * *

ADJACENT.

Synonyms:

abutting, bordering, contiguous, neighboring, adjoining, close, coterminous, next, attached, conterminous, near, nigh. beside,

_Adjacent_ farms may not be connected; if _adjoining_, they meet at the boundary-line. _Conterminous_ would imply that their dimensions were exactly equal on the side where they adjoin. _Contiguous_ may be used for either _adjacent_ or _adjoining_. _Abutting_ refers rather to the end of one building or estate than to the neighborhood of another. Buildings may be _adjacent_ or _adjoining_ that are not _attached_. _Near_ is a relative word, places being called _near_ upon the railroad which would elsewhere be deemed remote. _Neighboring_ always implies such proximity that the inhabitants may be neighbors. _Next_ views some object as the nearest of several or many; _next_ neighbor implies a neighborhood.

Antonyms:

detached, disconnected, disjoined, distant, remote, separate.

Preposition:

The farm was adjacent _to_ the village.

* * * * *

ADMIRE.

Synonyms:

adore, delight in, extol, respect, venerate, applaud, enjoy, honor, revere, wonder. approve, esteem, love,

In the old sense of _wonder_, _admire_ is practically obsolete; the word now expresses a delight and approval, in which the element of wonder unconsciously mingles. We _admire_ beauty in nature and art, _delight in_ the innocent happiness of children, _enjoy_ books or society, a walk or a dinner. We _approve_ what is excellent, _applaud_ heroic deeds, _esteem_ the good, _love_ our friends. We _honor_ and _respect_ noble character wherever found; we _revere_ and _venerate_ it in the aged. We _extol_ the goodness and _adore_ the majesty and power of God.

Antonyms:

abhor, contemn, detest, execrate, ridicule, abominate, despise, dislike, hate, scorn.

Preposition:

_Admire at_ may still very rarely be found in the old sense of _wonder at_.

* * * * *

ADORN.

Synonyms:

beautify, decorate, garnish, illustrate, bedeck, embellish, gild, ornament. deck,

To _embellish_ is to brighten and enliven by adding something that is not necessarily or very closely connected with that to which it is added; to _illustrate_ is to add something so far like in kind as to cast a side-light upon the principal matter. An author _embellishes_ his narrative with fine descriptions, the artist _illustrates_ it with beautiful engravings, the binder _gilds_ and _decorates_ the volume. _Garnish_ is on a lower plane; as, the feast was _garnished_ with flowers. _Deck_ and _bedeck_ are commonly said of apparel; as, a mother _bedecks_ her daughter with silk and jewels. To _adorn_ and to _ornament_ alike signify to add that which makes anything beautiful and attractive, but _ornament_ is more exclusively on the material plane; as, the gateway was _ornamented_ with delicate carving. _Adorn_ is more lofty and spiritual, referring to a beauty which is not material, and can not be put on by ornaments or decorations, but seems in perfect harmony and unity with that to which it adds a grace; if we say, the gateway was _adorned_ with beautiful carving, we imply a unity and loftiness of design such as _ornamented_ can not express. We say of some admirable scholar or statesman, "he touched nothing that he did not _adorn_."

At church, with meek and unaffected grace,
His looks _adorned_ the venerable place.

GOLDSMITH _Deserted Village_, l. 178.

Antonyms:

deface, deform, disfigure, mar, spoil.

Preposition:

Adorn his temples _with_ a coronet.

* * * * *

AFFRONT.

Synonyms:

aggravate, exasperate, offend, vex, annoy, insult, provoke, wound. displease, irritate, tease,

One may be _annoyed_ by the well-meaning awkwardness of a servant, _irritated_ by a tight shoe or a thoughtless remark, _vexed_ at some careless neglect or needless misfortune, _wounded_ by the ingratitude of child or friend. To _tease_ is to give some slight and perhaps playful annoyance. _Aggravate_ in the sense of _offend_ is colloquial. To _provoke_, literally to call out or challenge, is to begin a contest; one _provokes_ another to violence. To _affront_ is to offer some defiant offense or indignity, as it were, to one's face; it is somewhat less than to _insult_. Compare PIQUE.

Antonyms:

conciliate, content, gratify, honor, please.

* * * * *

AGENT.

Synonyms:

actor, factor, means, operator, promoter. doer, instrument, mover, performer,

In strict philosophical usage, the prime _mover_ or _doer_ of an act is the _agent_. Thus we speak of man as a voluntary _agent_, a free _agent_. But in common usage, especially in business, an _agent_ is not the prime _actor_, but only an _instrument_ or _factor_, acting under orders or instructions. Compare CAUSE.

Antonyms:

chief, inventor, originator, principal.

Prepositions:

An agent _of_ the company _for_ selling, etc.

* * * * *

AGREE.

Synonyms:

accede, admit, coincide, concur, accept, approve, combine, consent, accord, assent, comply, harmonize. acquiesce,

_Agree_ is the most general term of this group, signifying to have like qualities, proportions, views, or inclinations, so as to be free from jar, conflict, or contradiction in a given relation. To _concur_ is to _agree_ in general; to _coincide_ is to _agree_ in every particular. Whether in application to persons or things, _concur_ tends to expression in action more than _coincide_; we may either _concur_ or _coincide_ in an opinion, but _concur_ in a decision; views _coincide_, causes _concur_. One _accepts_ another's terms, _complies_ with his wishes, _admits_ his statement, _approves_ his plan, _conforms_ to his views of doctrine or duty, _accedes_ or _consents_ to his proposal. _Accede_ expresses the more formal agreement, _consent_ the more complete. To _assent_ is an act of the understanding; to _consent_, of the will. We may _concur_ or _agree_ with others, either in opinion or decision. One may silently _acquiesce_ in that which does not meet his views, but which he does not care to contest. He _admits_ the charge brought, or the statement made, by another--_admit_ always carrying a suggestion of reluctance. _Assent_ is sometimes used for a mild form of _consent_, as if agreement in the opinion assured approval of the decision.

Antonyms:

contend, demur, disagree, oppose, contradict, deny, dispute, protest, decline, differ, dissent, refuse.

Prepositions:

I agree _in_ opinion _with_ the speaker; _to_ the terms proposed; persons agree _on_ or _upon_ a statement of principles, rules, etc.; we must agree _among_ ourselves.

* * * * *

AGRICULTURE.

Synonyms:

cultivation, gardening, kitchen-gardening, culture, horticulture, market-gardening, farming, husbandry, tillage. floriculture,

_Agriculture_ is the generic term, including at once the science, the art, and the process of supplying human wants by raising the products of the soil, and by the associated industries; _farming_ is the practise of _agriculture_ as a business; there may be theoretical _agriculture_, but not theoretical _farming_; we speak of the science of _agriculture_, the business of _farming_; scientific _agriculture_ may be wholly in books; scientific _farming_ is practised upon the land; we say an _agricultural_ college rather than a college of _farming_. _Farming_ refers to the _cultivation_ of considerable portions of land, and the raising of the coarser crops; _gardening_ is the close _cultivation_ of a small area for small fruits, flowers, vegetables, etc., and while it may be done upon a farm is yet a distinct industry. _Gardening_ in general, _kitchen-gardening_, the _cultivation_ of vegetables, etc., for the household, _market-gardening_, the raising of the same for sale, _floriculture_, the _culture_ of flowers, and _horticulture_, the _culture_ of fruits, flowers, or vegetables, are all departments of _agriculture_, but not strictly nor ordinarily of _farming_; _farming_ is itself one department of _agriculture_. _Husbandry_ is a general word for any form of practical _agriculture_, but is now chiefly poetical. _Tillage_ refers directly to the work bestowed upon the land, as plowing, manuring, etc.; _cultivation_ refers especially to the processes that bring forward the crop; we speak of the _tillage_ of the soil, the _cultivation_ of corn; we also speak of land as in a state of _cultivation_, under _cultivation_, etc. _Culture_ is now applied to the careful development of any product to a state of perfection, especially by care through successive generations; the choice varieties of the strawberry have been produced by wise and patient _culture_; a good crop in any year is the result of good _cultivation_.

* * * * *

AIM.

Synonyms:

aspiration, endeavor, intention, tendency. design, goal, mark, determination, inclination, object, end, intent, purpose,

The _aim_ is the direction in which one shoots, or sometimes that which is aimed at. The _mark_ is that at which one shoots; the _goal_, that toward which one runs. All alike indicate the direction of _endeavor_. The _end_ is the point at which one expects or hopes to close his labors; the _object_, that which he would grasp as the reward of his labors. _Aspiration_, _design_, _endeavor_, _purpose_, referring to the mental acts by which the _aim_ is attained, are often used as interchangeable with _aim_. _Aspiration_ applies to what are viewed as noble _aims_; _endeavor_, _design_, _intention_, _purpose_, indifferently to the best or worst. _Aspiration_ has less of decision than the other terms; one may aspire to an _object_, and yet lack the fixedness of _purpose_ by which alone it can be attained. _Purpose_ is stronger than _intention_. _Design_ especially denotes the adaptation of means to an end; _endeavor_ refers to the exertions by which it is to be attained. One whose _aims_ are worthy, whose _aspirations_ are high, whose _designs_ are wise, and whose _purposes_ are steadfast, may hope to reach the _goal_ of his ambition, and will surely win some _object_ worthy of a life's _endeavor_. Compare AMBITION; DESIGN.

Antonyms:

aimlessness, heedlessness, negligence, purposelessness, avoidance, neglect, oversight, thoughtlessness. carelessness,

* * * * *

AIR.

Synonyms:

appearance, demeanor, manner, sort, bearing, expression, mien, style, behavior, fashion, port, way. carriage, look,

_Air_ is that combination of qualities which makes the entire impression we receive in a person's presence; as, we say he has the _air_ of a scholar, or the _air_ of a villain. _Appearance_ refers more to the dress and other externals. We might say of a travel-soiled pedestrian, he has the _appearance_ of a tramp, but the _air_ of a gentleman. _Expression_ and _look_ especially refer to the face. _Expression_ is oftenest applied to that which is habitual; as, he has a pleasant _expression_ of countenance; _look_ may be momentary; as, a _look_ of dismay passed over his face. We may, however, speak of the _look_ or _looks_ as indicating all that we look at; as, he had the _look_ of an adventurer; I did not like his _looks_. _Bearing_ is rather a lofty word; as, he has a noble _bearing_; _port_ is practically identical in meaning with _bearing_, but is more exclusively a literary word. _Carriage_, too, is generally used in a good sense; as, that lady has a good _carriage_. _Mien_ is closely synonymous with _air_, but less often used in a bad sense. We say a rakish _air_ rather than a rakish _mien_. _Mien_ may be used to express some prevailing feeling; as, "an indignant _mien_." _Demeanor_ goes beyond _appearance_, including conduct, behavior; as, a modest _demeanor_. _Manner_ and _style_ are, in large part at least, acquired. Compare BEHAVIOR.

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AIRY.

Synonyms:

aerial, ethereal, frolicsome, joyous, lively, animated, fairylike, gay, light, sprightly.

_Aerial_ and _airy_ both signify of or belonging to the air, but _airy_ also describes that which seems as if made of air; we speak of _airy_ shapes, _airy_ nothings, where we could not well say _aerial_; _ethereal_ describes its object as belonging to the upper air, the pure ether, and so, often, heavenly. _Sprightly_, spiritlike, refers to light, free, cheerful activity of mind and body. That which is _lively_ or _animated_ may be agreeable or the reverse; as, an _animated_ discussion; a _lively_ company.

Antonyms:

clumsy, heavy, ponderous, sluggish, wooden. dull, inert, slow, stony,

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ALARM.

Synonyms:

affright, disquietude, fright, solicitude, apprehension, dread, misgiving, terror, consternation, fear, panic, timidity. dismay,