Chapter IV: Part I: Synonyms, Antonyms and Prepositions (2)

_Alarm_, according to its derivation _all'arme_, "to arms," is an arousing to meet and repel danger, and may be quite consistent with true courage. _Affright_ and _fright_ express sudden _fear_ which, for the time at least, overwhelms courage. The sentinel discovers with _alarm_ the sudden approach of the enemy; the unarmed villagers view it with _affright_. _Apprehension_, _disquietude_, _dread_, _misgiving_, and _solicitude_ are in anticipation of danger; _consternation_, _dismay_, and _terror_ are overwhelming _fear_, generally in the actual presence of that which is terrible, though these words also may have an anticipative force. _Timidity_ is a quality, habit, or condition, a readiness to be affected with _fear_. A person of great _timidity_ is constantly liable to needless _alarm_ and even _terror_. Compare FEAR.

Antonyms:

assurance, calmness, confidence, repose, security.

Prepositions:

Alarm was felt _in_ the camp, _among_ the soldiers, _at_ the news.

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ALERT.

Synonyms:

active, lively, prepared, vigilant, brisk, nimble, prompt, watchful, hustling, on the watch, ready, wide-awake.

_Alert_, _ready_, and _wide-awake_ refer to a watchful promptness for action. _Ready_ suggests thoughtful preparation; the wandering Indian is _alert_, the trained soldier is _ready_. _Ready_ expresses more life and vigor than _prepared_. The gun is _prepared_; the man is _ready_. _Prompt_ expresses readiness for appointment or demand at the required moment. The good general is _ready_ for emergencies, _alert_ to perceive opportunity or peril, _prompt_ to seize occasion. The sense of _brisk_, _nimble_ is the secondary and now less common signification of _alert_. Compare ACTIVE; ALIVE; NIMBLE; VIGILANT.

Antonyms:

drowsy, dull, heavy, inactive, slow, sluggish, stupid.

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ALIEN, _a._

Synonyms:

conflicting, distant, inappropriate, strange, contradictory, foreign, irrelevant, unconnected, contrary, hostile, opposed, unlike. contrasted, impertinent, remote,

_Foreign_ refers to difference of birth, _alien_ to difference of allegiance. In their figurative use, that is _foreign_ which is _remote_, _unlike_, or _unconnected_; that is _alien_ which is _conflicting_, _hostile_, or _opposed_. _Impertinent_ and _irrelevant_ matters can not claim consideration in a certain connection; _inappropriate_ matters could not properly be considered. Compare ALIEN, _n._; CONTRAST, _v._

Antonyms:

akin, apropos, germane, proper, appropriate, essential, pertinent, relevant.

Prepositions:

Such a purpose was alien _to_ (or _from_) my thought: _to_ preferable.

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ALIEN, _n._

Synonyms:

foreigner, stranger.

A naturalized citizen is not an _alien_, though a _foreigner_ by birth, and perhaps a _stranger_ in the place where he resides. A person of foreign birth not naturalized is an _alien_, though he may have been resident in the country a large part of a lifetime, and ceased to be a _stranger_ to its people or institutions. He is an _alien_ in one country if his allegiance is to another. The people of any country still residing in their own land are, strictly speaking, _foreigners_ to the people of all other countries, rather than _aliens_; but _alien_ and _foreigner_ are often used synonymously.

Antonyms:

citizen, fellow-countryman, native-born inhabitant, countryman, native, naturalized person.

Prepositions:

Aliens _to_ (more rarely _from_) our nation and laws; aliens _in_ our land, _among_ our people.

* * * * *

ALIKE.

Synonyms:

akin, equivalent, kindred, same, analogous, homogeneous, like, similar, equal, identical, resembling, uniform.

_Alike_ is a comprehensive word, signifying as applied to two or more objects that some or all qualities of one are the same as those of the other or others; by modifiers _alike_ may be made to express more or less resemblance; as, these houses are somewhat (_i. e._, partially) _alike_; or, these houses are exactly (_i. e._, in all respects) _alike_. Cotton and wool are _alike_ in this, that they can both be woven into cloth. Substances are _homogeneous_ which are made up of elements of the _same_ kind, or which are the _same_ in structure. Two pieces of iron may be _homogeneous_ in material, while not _alike_ in size or shape. In geometry, two triangles are _equal_ when they can be laid over one another, and fit, line for line and angle for angle; they are _equivalent_ when they simply contain the same amount of space. An _identical_ proposition is one that says the same thing precisely in subject and predicate. _Similar_ refers to close resemblance, which yet leaves room for question or denial of complete likeness or identity. To say "this is the _identical_ man," is to say not merely that he is _similar_ to the one I have in mind, but that he is the very _same_ person. Things are _analogous_ when they are _similar_ in idea, plan, use, or character, tho perhaps quite unlike in appearance; as, the gills of fishes are said to be _analogous_ to the lungs in terrestrial animals.

Antonyms:

different, dissimilar, distinct, heterogeneous, unlike.

Prepositions:

The specimens are alike _in_ kind; they are all alike _to_ me.

* * * * *

ALIVE.

Synonyms:

active, breathing, live, quick, alert, brisk, lively, subsisting, animate, existent, living, vivacious. animated, existing,

_Alive_ applies to all degrees of life, from that which shows one to be barely _existing_ or _existent_ as a living thing, as when we say he is just _alive_, to that which implies the very utmost of vitality and power, as in the words "he is all _alive_," "thoroughly _alive_." So the word _quick_, which began by signifying "having life," is now mostly applied to energy of life as shown in swiftness of action. _Breathing_ is capable of like contrast. We say of a dying man, he is still _breathing_; or we speak of a _breathing_ statue, or "_breathing_ and sounding, beauteous battle," TENNYSON _Princess_ can. v, l. 155, where it means having, or seeming to have, full and vigorous breath, abundant life. Compare ACTIVE; ALERT; NIMBLE.

Antonyms:

dead, defunct, dull, lifeless, deceased, dispirited, inanimate, spiritless.

Prepositions:

Alive _in_ every nerve; alive _to_ every noble impulse; alive _with_ fervor, hope, resolve; alive _through_ all his being.

* * * * *

ALLAY.

Synonyms:

alleviate, compose, quiet, still, appease, mollify, soothe, tranquilize. calm, pacify,

_Allay_ and _alleviate_ are closely kindred in signification, and have been often interchanged in usage. But, in strictness, to _allay_ is to lay to rest, _quiet_ or _soothe_ that which is excited; to _alleviate_, on the other hand, is to lighten a burden. We _allay_ suffering by using means to _soothe_ and _tranquilize_ the sufferer; we _alleviate_ suffering by doing something toward removal of the cause, so that there is less to suffer; where the trouble is wholly or chiefly in the excitement, to _allay_ the excitement is virtually to remove the trouble; as, to _allay_ rage or panic; we _alleviate_ poverty, but do not _allay_ it. _Pacify_, directly from the Latin, and _appease_, from the Latin through the French, signify to bring to peace; to _mollify_ is to soften; to _calm_, _quiet_, or _tranquilize_ is to make still; _compose_, to place together, unite, adjust to a calm and settled condition; to _soothe_ (originally to assent to, humor) is to bring to pleased quietude. We _allay_ excitement, _appease_ a tumult, _calm_ agitation, _compose_ our feelings or countenance, _pacify_ the quarrelsome, _quiet_ the boisterous or clamorous, _soothe_ grief or distress. Compare ALLEVIATE.

Antonyms:

agitate, excite, kindle, rouse, stir up. arouse, fan, provoke, stir,

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ALLEGE.

Synonyms:

adduce, asseverate, claim, maintain, produce, advance, assign, declare, offer, say, affirm, aver, introduce, plead, state. assert, cite,

To _allege_ is formally to state as true or capable of proof, but without proving. To _adduce_, literally to lead to, is to bring the evidence up to what has been _alleged_. _Adduce_ is a secondary word; nothing can be _adduced_ in evidence till something has been _stated_ or _alleged_, which the evidence is to sustain. An _alleged_ fact stands open to question or doubt. To speak of an _alleged_ document, an _alleged_ will, an _alleged_ crime, is either to question, or at least very carefully to refrain from admitting, that the document exists, that the will is genuine, or that the crime has been committed. _Alleged_ is, however, respectful; to speak of the "so-called" will or deed, etc., would be to cast discredit upon the document, and imply that the speaker was ready to brand it as unquestionably spurious; _alleged_ simply concedes nothing and leaves the question open. To _produce_ is to bring forward, as, for instance, papers or persons. _Adduce_ is not used of persons; of them we say _introduce_ or _produce_. When an _alleged_ criminal is brought to trial, the counsel on either side are accustomed to _advance_ a theory, and _adduce_ the strongest possible evidence in its support; they will _produce_ documents and witnesses, _cite_ precedents, _assign_ reasons, _introduce_ suggestions, _offer_ pleas. The accused will usually _assert_ his innocence. Compare STATE.

* * * * *

ALLEGIANCE.

Synonyms:

devotion, fealty, loyalty, obedience, subjection. faithfulness, homage,

_Allegiance_ is the obligation of fidelity and obedience that an individual owes to his government or sovereign, in return for the protection he receives. The feudal uses of these words have mostly passed away with the state of society that gave them birth; but their origin still colors their present meaning. A patriotic American feels an enthusiastic _loyalty_ to the republic; he takes, on occasion, an oath of _allegiance_ to the government, but his _loyalty_ will lead him to do more than mere _allegiance_ could demand; he pays _homage_ to God alone, as the only king and lord, or to those principles of right that are spiritually supreme; he acknowledges the duty of _obedience_ to all rightful authority; he resents the idea of _subjection_. _Fealty_ is becoming somewhat rare, except in elevated or poetic style. We prefer to speak of the _faithfulness_ rather than the _fealty_ of citizen, wife, or friend.

Antonyms:

disaffection, disloyalty, rebellion, sedition, treason.

Prepositions:

We honor the allegiance _of_ the citizen _to_ the government; the government has a right to allegiance _from_ the citizen.

* * * * *

ALLEGORY.

Synonyms:

fable, fiction, illustration, metaphor, parable, simile.

In modern usage we may say that an _allegory_ is an extended _simile_, while a _metaphor_ is an abbreviated _simile_ contained often in a phrase, perhaps in a word. The _simile_ carries its comparison on the surface, in the words _as_, _like_, or similar expressions; the _metaphor_ is given directly without any note of comparison. The _allegory_, _parable_, or _fable_ tells its story as if true, leaving the reader or hearer to discover its fictitious character and learn its lesson. All these are, in strict definition, _fictions_; but the word _fiction_ is now applied almost exclusively to novels or romances. An _allegory_ is a moral or religious tale, of which the moral lesson is the substance, and all descriptions and incidents but accessories, as in "The Pilgrim's Progress." A _fable_ is generally briefer, representing animals as the speakers and actors, and commonly conveying some lesson of practical wisdom or shrewdness, as "The _Fables_ of Æsop." A _parable_ is exclusively moral or religious, briefer and less adorned than an _allegory_, with its lesson more immediately discernible, given, as it were, at a stroke. Any comparison, analogy, instance, example, tale, anecdote, or the like which serves to let in light upon a subject may be called an _illustration_, this word in its widest use including all the rest. Compare FICTION; STORY.

Antonyms:

chronicle, fact, history, narrative, record.

* * * * *

ALLEVIATE.

Synonyms:

abate, lighten, reduce, remove, assuage, mitigate, relieve, soften. lessen, moderate,

Etymologically, to _alleviate_ is to lift a burden toward oneself, and so _lighten_ it for the bearer; to _relieve_ is to lift it back from the bearer, nearly or quite away; to _remove_ is to take it away altogether. _Alleviate_ is thus less than _relieve_; _relieve_, ordinarily, less than _remove_. We _alleviate_, _relieve_ or _remove_ the trouble; we _relieve_, not _alleviate_, the sufferer. _Assuage_ is, by derivation, to sweeten; _mitigate_, to make mild; _moderate_, to bring within measure; _abate_, to beat down, and so make less. We _abate_ a fever; _lessen_ anxiety; _moderate_ passions or desires; _lighten_ burdens; _mitigate_ or _alleviate_ pain; _reduce_ inflammation; _soften_, _assuage_, or _moderate_ grief; we _lighten_ or _mitigate_ punishments; we _relieve_ any suffering of body or mind that admits of help, comfort, or remedy. _Alleviate_ has been often confused with _allay_. Compare ALLAY.

Antonyms:

aggravate, embitter, heighten, intensify, make worse. augment, enhance, increase, magnify,

* * * * *

ALLIANCE.

Synonyms:

coalition, confederation, fusion, partnership, compact, federation, league, union. confederacy,

_Alliance_ is in its most common use a connection formed by treaty between sovereign states as for mutual aid in war. _Partnership_ is a mercantile word; _alliance_ chiefly political or matrimonial. _Coalition_ is oftenest used of political parties; _fusion_ is now the more common word in this sense. In an _alliance_ between nations there is no surrender of sovereignty, and no _union_ except for a specified time and purpose. _League_ and _alliance_ are used with scarcely perceptible difference of meaning. In a _confederacy_ or _confederation_ there is an attempt to unite separate states in a general government without surrender of sovereignty. _Union_ implies so much concession as to make the separate states substantially one. _Federation_ is mainly a poetic and rhetorical word expressing something of the same thought, as in Tennyson's "_federation_ of the world," _Locksley Hall_, l. 128. The United States is not a _confederacy_ nor an _alliance_; the nation might be called a _federation_, but prefers to be styled a federal _union_.

Antonyms:

antagonism, disunion, enmity, schism, separation, discord, divorce, hostility, secession, war.

Prepositions:

Alliance _with_ a neighboring people; _against_ the common enemy; _for_ offense and defense; alliance _of_, _between_, or _among_ nations.

* * * * *

ALLOT.

Synonyms:

appoint, destine, give, portion out, apportion, distribute, grant, select, assign, divide, mete out, set apart. award,

_Allot_, originally to assign by lot, applies to the giving of a definite thing to a certain person. A portion or extent of time is _allotted_; as, I expect to live out my _allotted_ time. A definite period is _appointed_; as, the audience assembled at the _appointed_ hour. _Allot_ may also refer to space; as, to _allot_ a plot of ground for a cemetery; but we now oftener use _select_, _set apart_, or _assign_. _Allot_ is not now used of persons. _Appoint_ may be used of time, space, or person; as, the _appointed_ day; the _appointed_ place; an officer was _appointed_ to this station. _Destine_ may also refer to time, place, or person, but it always has reference to what is considerably in the future; a man _appoints_ to meet his friend in five minutes; he _destines_ his son to follow his own profession. _Assign_ is rarely used of time, but rather of places, persons, or things. We _assign_ a work to be done and _assign_ a man to do it, who, if he fails, must _assign_ a reason for not doing it. That which is _allotted_, _appointed_, or _assigned_ is more or less arbitrary; that which is _awarded_ is the due requital of something the receiver has done, and he has right and claim to it; as, the medal was _awarded_ for valor. Compare APPORTION.

Antonyms:

appropriate, deny, resume, seize, confiscate, refuse, retain, withhold.

Prepositions:

Allot _to_ a company _for_ a purpose.

* * * * *

ALLOW.

Synonyms:

admit, consent to, let, sanction, tolerate, concede, grant, permit, suffer, yield.

We _allow_ that which we do not attempt to hinder; we _permit_ that to which we give some express authorization. When this is given verbally it is called permission; when in writing it is commonly called a permit. There are establishments that any one will be _allowed_ to visit without challenge or hindrance; there are others that no one is _allowed_ to visit without a permit from the manager; there are others to which visitors are _admitted_ at specified times, without a formal permit. We _allow_ a child's innocent intrusion; we _concede_ a right; _grant_ a request; _consent_ to a sale of property; _permit_ an inspection of accounts; _sanction_ a marriage; _tolerate_ the rudeness of a well-meaning servant; _submit_ to a surgical operation; _yield_ to a demand or necessity against our wish or will, or _yield_ something under compulsion; as, the sheriff _yielded_ the keys at the muzzle of a revolver, and _allowed_ the mob to enter. _Suffer_, in the sense of mild concession, is now becoming rare, its place being taken by _allow_, _permit_, or _tolerate_. Compare PERMISSION.

Antonyms:

deny, disapprove, protest, reject, withstand. disallow, forbid, refuse, resist,

See also synonyms for PROHIBIT.

Prepositions:

To allow _of_ (in best recent usage, simply to _allow_) such an action; allow one _in_ such a course; allow _for_ spending-money.

* * * * *

ALLOY.

Synonyms:

admixture, adulteration, debasement, deterioration.

_Alloy_ may be either some admixture of baser with precious metal, as for giving hardness to coin or the like, or it may be a compound or mixture of two or more metals. _Adulteration_, _debasement_, and _deterioration_ are always used in the bad sense; _admixture_ is neutral, and may be good or bad; _alloy_ is commonly good in the literal sense. An excess of _alloy_ virtually amounts to _adulteration_; but _adulteration_ is now mostly restricted to articles used for food, drink, medicine, and kindred uses. In the figurative sense, as applied to character, etc., _alloy_ is unfavorable, because there the only standard is perfection.

* * * * *

ALLUDE.

Synonyms:

advert, indicate, intimate, point, signify, hint, insinuate, mention, refer, suggest. imply,

_Advert_, _mention_, and _refer_ are used of language that more or less distinctly utters a certain thought; the others of language from which it may be inferred. We _allude_ to a matter slightly, perhaps by a word or phrase, as it were in byplay; we _advert_ to it when we turn from our path to treat it; we _refer_ to it by any clear utterance that distinctly turns the mind or attention to it; as, marginal figures _refer_ to a parallel passage; we _mention_ a thing by explicit word, as by naming it. The speaker _adverted_ to the recent disturbances and the remissness of certain public officers; tho he _mentioned_ no name, it was easy to see to whom he _alluded_. One may _hint_ at a thing in a friendly way, but what is _insinuated_ is always unfavorable, generally both hostile and cowardly. One may _indicate_ his wishes, _intimate_ his plans, _imply_ his opinion, _signify_ his will, _suggest_ a course of action. Compare SUGGESTION.

Preposition:

The passage evidently alludes _to_ the Jewish Passover.

* * * * *

ALLURE.

Synonyms:

attract, captivate, decoy, entice, lure, tempt, cajole, coax, draw, inveigle, seduce, win.

To _allure_ is to _draw_ as with a lure by some charm or some prospect of pleasure or advantage. We may _attract_ others to a certain thing without intent; as, the good unconsciously _attract_ others to virtue. We may _allure_ either to that which is evil or to that which is good and noble, by purpose and endeavor, as in the familiar line, "_Allured_ to brighter worlds, and led the way," GOLDSMITH _Deserted Village_, l. 170. _Lure_ is rather more akin to the physical nature. It is the word we would use of drawing on an animal. _Coax_ expresses the attraction of the person, not of the thing. A man may be _coaxed_ to that which is by no means _alluring_. _Cajole_ and _decoy_ carry the idea of deceiving and ensnaring. To _inveigle_ is to lead one blindly in. To _tempt_ is to endeavor to lead one wrong; to _seduce_ is to succeed in _winning_ one from good to ill. _Win_ may be used in either a bad or a good sense, in which latter it surpasses the highest sense of _allure_, because it succeeds in that which _allure_ attempts; as, "He that _winneth_ souls is wise," _Prov._ xi, 30.

Antonyms:

chill, damp, deter, dissuade, drive away, repel, warn.

Prepositions:

Allure _to_ a course; allure _by_ hopes; allure _from_ evil _to_ good.

* * * * *

ALSO.

Synonyms:

as well, in addition, likewise, too, as well as, in like manner, similarly, withal. besides,

While some distinctions between these words and phrases will appear to the careful student, yet in practise the choice between them is largely to secure euphony and avoid repetition. The words fall into two groups; _as well as_, _besides_, _in addition_, _too_, _withal_, simply add a fact or thought; _also_ (all so), _in like manner_, _likewise_, _similarly_, affirm that what is added is like that to which it is added. _As well_ follows the word or phrase to which it is joined. We can say the singers _as well as_ the players, or the players, and the singers _as well_.

Antonyms:

but, nevertheless, on the contrary, yet. in spite of, notwithstanding, on the other hand,

* * * * *

ALTERNATIVE.

Synonyms:

choice, election, option, pick, preference, resource.

A _choice_ may be among many things; an _alternative_ is in the strictest sense a _choice_ between two things; oftener it is one of two things between which a _choice_ is to be made, and either of which is the _alternative_ of the other; as, the _alternative_ of surrender is death; or the two things between which there is a _choice_ may be called the _alternatives_; both Mill and Gladstone are quoted as extending the meaning of _alternative_ to include several particulars, Gladstone even speaking of "the fourth and last of these _alternatives_." _Option_ is the right or privilege of choosing; _choice_ may be either the right to choose, the act of choosing, or the thing chosen. A person of ability and readiness will commonly have many _resources_. _Pick_, from the Saxon, and _election_, from the Latin, picture the objects before one, with freedom and power to choose which he will; as, there were twelve horses, among which I could take my _pick_. A _choice_, _pick_, _election_, or _preference_ is that which suits one best; an _alternative_ is that to which one is restricted; a _resource_, that to which one is glad to betake oneself.

Antonyms:

compulsion, necessity.

* * * * *

AMASS.

Synonyms:

accumulate, collect, heap up, hoard up, store up. aggregate, gather, hoard, pile up,

To _amass_ is to bring together materials that make a mass, a great bulk or quantity. With some occasional exceptions, _accumulate_ is applied to the more gradual, _amass_ to the more rapid gathering of money or materials, _amass_ referring to the general result or bulk, _accumulate_ to the particular process or rate of gain. We say interest is _accumulated_ (or _accumulates_) rather than is _amassed_; he _accumulated_ a fortune in the course of years; he rapidly _amassed_ a fortune by shrewd speculations. Goods or money for immediate distribution are said to be _collected_ rather than _amassed_. They may be _stored up_ for a longer or shorter time; but to _hoard_ is always with a view of permanent retention, generally selfish. _Aggregate_ is now most commonly used of numbers and amounts; as, the expenses will _aggregate_ a round million.

Antonyms:

disperse, divide, portion, spend, waste. dissipate, parcel, scatter, squander,

Prepositions:

Amass _for_ oneself; _for_ a purpose; _from_ a distance; _with_ great labor; _by_ industry.

* * * * *

AMATEUR.

Synonyms:

connoisseur, critic, dilettante, novice, tyro.

Etymologically, the _amateur_ is one who loves, the _connoisseur_ one who knows. In usage, the term _amateur_ is applied to one who pursues any study or art simply from the love of it; the word carries a natural implication of superficialness, tho marked excellence is at times attained by _amateurs_. A _connoisseur_ is supposed to be so thoroughly informed regarding any art or work as to be able to criticize or select intelligently and authoritatively; there are many incompetent _critics_, but there can not, in the true sense, be an incompetent _connoisseur_. The _amateur_ practises to some extent that in regard to which he may not be well informed; the _connoisseur_ is well informed in regard to that which he may not practise at all. A _novice_ or _tyro_ may be a _professional_; an _amateur_ never is; the _amateur_ may be skilled and experienced as the _novice_ or _tyro_ never is. _Dilettante_, which had originally the sense of _amateur_, has to some extent come to denote one who is superficial, pretentious, and affected, whether in theory or practise.

Preposition:

An amateur _in_ art.

* * * * *

AMAZEMENT.

Synonyms:

admiration, awe, confusion, surprise, astonishment, bewilderment, perplexity, wonder.

_Amazement_ and _astonishment_ both express the momentary overwhelming of the mind by that which is beyond expectation. _Astonishment_ especially affects the emotions, _amazement_ the intellect. _Awe_ is the yielding of the mind to something supremely grand in character or formidable in power, and ranges from apprehension or dread to reverent worship. _Admiration_ includes delight and regard. _Surprise_ lies midway between _astonishment_ and _amazement_, and usually respects matters of lighter consequence or such as are less startling in character. _Amazement_ may be either pleasing or painful, as when induced by the grandeur of the mountains, or by the fury of the storm. We can say pleased _surprise_, but scarcely pleased _astonishment_. _Amazement_ has in it something of _confusion_ or _bewilderment_; but _confusion_ and _bewilderment_ may occur without _amazement_, as when a multitude of details require instant attention. _Astonishment_ may be without _bewilderment_ or _confusion_. _Wonder_ is often pleasing, and may be continuous in view of that which surpasses our comprehension; as, the magnitude, order, and beauty of the heavens fill us with increasing _wonder_. Compare PERPLEXITY.

Antonyms:

anticipation, composure, expectation, preparation, steadiness, calmness, coolness, indifference, self-possession, stoicism.

Preposition:

I was filled with amazement _at_ such reckless daring.

* * * * *

AMBITION.

Synonyms:

aspiration, competition, emulation, opposition, rivalry.

_Aspiration_ is the desire for excellence, pure and simple. _Ambition_, literally a going around to solicit votes, has primary reference to the award or approval of others, and is the eager desire of power, fame, or something deemed great and eminent, and viewed as a worthy prize. The prizes of _aspiration_ are virtue, nobility, skill, or other high qualities. The prizes of _ambition_ are advancement, fame, honor, and the like. There is a noble and wise or an ignoble, selfish, and harmful _ambition_. _Emulation_ is not so much to win any excellence or success for itself as to equal or surpass other persons. There is such a thing as a noble _emulation_, when those we would equal or surpass are noble, and the means we would use worthy. But, at the highest, _emulation_ is inferior as a motive to _aspiration_, which seeks the high quality or character for its own sake, not with reference to another. _Competition_ is the striving for something that is sought by another at the same time. _Emulation_ regards the abstract, _competition_ the concrete; _rivalry_ is the same in essential meaning with _competition_, but differs in the nature of the objects contested for, which, in the case of _rivalry_, are usually of the nobler sort and less subject to direct gaging, measurement, and rule. We speak of _competition_ in business, _emulation_ in scholarship, _rivalry_ in love, politics, etc.; _emulation_ of excellence, success, achievement; _competition_ for a prize; _rivalry_ between persons or nations. _Competition_ may be friendly, _rivalry_ is commonly hostile. _Opposition_ is becoming a frequent substitute for _competition_ in business language; it implies that the competitor is an opponent and hinderer.

Antonyms:

carelessness, contentment, humility, indifference, satisfaction.

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AMEND.

Synonyms:

advance, correct, meliorate, rectify, ameliorate, emend, mend, reform, better, improve, mitigate, repair. cleanse, make better, purify,

To _amend_ is to change for the better by removing faults, errors, or defects, and always refers to that which at some point falls short of a standard of excellence. _Advance_, _better_, and _improve_ may refer either to what is quite imperfect or to what has reached a high degree of excellence; we _advance_ the kingdom of God, _improve_ the minds of our children, _better_ the morals of the people. But for matters below the point of ordinary approval we seldom use these words; we do not speak of _bettering_ a wretched alley, or _improving_ a foul sewer. There we use _cleanse_, _purify_, or similar words. We _correct_ evils, _reform_ abuses, _rectify_ incidental conditions of evil or error; we _ameliorate_ poverty and misery, which we can not wholly remove. We _mend_ a tool, _repair_ a building, _correct_ proof; we _amend_ character or conduct that is faulty, or a statement or law that is defective. A text, writing, or statement is _amended_ by the author or by some adequate authority; it is often _emended_ by conjecture. A motion is _amended_ by the mover or by the assembly; a constitution is _amended_ by the people; an ancient text is _emended_ by a critic who believes that what seems to him the better reading is what the author wrote. Compare ALLEVIATE.

Antonyms:

aggravate, debase, harm, mar, tarnish, blemish, depress, impair, spoil, vitiate. corrupt, deteriorate, injure,

* * * * *

AMIABLE.

Synonyms:

agreeable, engaging, lovable, pleasing, attractive, gentle, lovely, sweet, benignant, good-natured, loving, winning, harming, kind, pleasant, winsome.

_Amiable_ combines the senses of _lovable_ or _lovely_ and _loving_; the _amiable_ character has ready affection and kindliness for others, with the qualities that are adapted to win their love; _amiable_ is a higher and stronger word than _good-natured_ or _agreeable_. _Lovely_ is often applied to externals; as, a _lovely_ face. _Amiable_ denotes a disposition desirous to cheer, please, and make happy. A selfish man of the world may have the art to be _agreeable_; a handsome, brilliant, and witty person may be _charming_ or even _attractive_, while by no means _amiable_. The _engaging_, _winning_, and _winsome_ add to amiability something of beauty, accomplishments, and grace. The _benignant_ are calmly kind, as from a height and a distance. _Kind_, _good-natured_ people may be coarse and rude, and so fail to be _agreeable_ or _pleasing_; the really _amiable_ are likely to avoid such faults by their earnest desire to please. The _good-natured_ have an easy disposition to get along comfortably with every one in all circumstances. A _sweet_ disposition is very sure to be _amiable_, the _loving_ heart bringing out all that is _lovable_ and _lovely_ in character.

Antonyms:

acrimonious, crusty, hateful, ill-tempered, surly, churlish, disagreeable, ill-conditioned, morose, unamiable, crabbed, dogged, ill-humored, sour, unlovely, cruel, gruff, ill-natured, sullen,

* * * * *

AMID.

Synonyms:

amidst, amongst, betwixt, mingled with, among, between, in the midst of, surrounded by.

_Amid_ or _amidst_ denotes _surrounded by_; _among_ or _amongst_ denotes _mingled with_. _Between_ (archaic or poetic, _betwixt_) is said of two persons or objects, or of two groups of persons or objects. "Let there be no strife, I pray thee, _between_ me and thee, and _between_ my herdmen and thy herdmen," _Gen._ xiii, 9; the reference being to two bodies of herdmen. _Amid_ denotes mere position; _among_, some active relation, as of companionship, hostility, etc. Lowell's "_Among_ my Books" regards the books as companions; _amid_ my books would suggest packing, storing, or some other incidental circumstance. We say _among_ friends, or _among_ enemies, _amidst_ the woods, _amid_ the shadows. _In the midst of_ may have merely the local meaning; as, I found myself _in the midst of_ a crowd; or it may express even closer association than _among_; as, "I found myself _in the midst of_ friends" suggests their pressing up on every side, oneself the central object; so, "where two or three are met together in my name, there am I _in the midst of_ them," _Matt._ xviii, 20; in which case it would be feebler to say "_among_ them," impossible to say "_amid_ them," not so well to say "_amidst_ them."

Antonyms:

afar from, away from, beyond, far from, outside, without.

* * * * *

AMPLIFY.

Synonyms:

augment, dilate, expand, extend, unfold, develop, enlarge, expatiate, increase, widen.

_Amplify_ is now rarely used in the sense of _increase_, to add material substance, bulk, volume, or the like; it is now almost wholly applied to discourse or writing, signifying to make fuller in statement, whether with or without adding matter of importance, as by stating fully what was before only implied, or by adding illustrations to make the meaning more readily apprehended, etc. The chief difficulty of very young writers is to _amplify_, to get beyond the bare curt statement by _developing_, _expanding_, _unfolding_ the thought. The chief difficulty of those who have more material and experience is to condense sufficiently. So, in the early days of our literature _amplify_ was used in the favorable sense; but at present this word and most kindred words are coming to share the derogatory meaning that has long attached to _expatiate_. We may _develop_ a thought, _expand_ an illustration, _extend_ a discussion, _expatiate_ on a hobby, _dilate_ on something joyous or sad, _enlarge_ a volume, _unfold_ a scheme, _widen_ the range of treatment.

Antonyms:

abbreviate, amputate, condense, cut down, reduce, summarize, abridge, "boil down," curtail, epitomize, retrench, sum up.

Prepositions:

To amplify _on_ or _upon_ the subject is needless. Amplify this matter _by_ illustrations.

* * * * *

ANALOGY.

Synonyms:

affinity, likeness, relation, similarity, coincidence, parity, resemblance, simile, comparison, proportion, semblance, similitude.

_Analogy_ is specifically a _resemblance_ of relations; a _resemblance_ that may be reasoned from, so that from the _likeness_ in certain respects we may infer that other and perhaps deeper relations exist. _Affinity_ is a mutual attraction with or without seeming likeness; as, the _affinity_ of iron for oxygen. _Coincidence_ is complete agreement in some one or more respects; there may be a _coincidence_ in time of most dissimilar events. _Parity_ of reasoning is said of an argument equally conclusive on subjects not strictly analogous. _Similitude_ is a rhetorical comparison of one thing to another with which it has some points in common. _Resemblance_ and _similarity_ are external or superficial, and may involve no deeper relation; as, the _resemblance_ of a cloud to a distant mountain. Compare ALLEGORY.

Antonyms:

disagreement, disproportion, dissimilarity, incongruity, unlikeness.

Prepositions:

The analogy _between_ (or _of_) nature and revelation; the analogy _of_ sound _to_ light; a family has some analogy _with_ (or _to_) a state.

* * * * *

ANGER.

Synonyms:

animosity, fury, offense, rage, choler, impatience, passion, resentment, displeasure, indignation, peevishness, temper, exasperation, ire, pettishness, vexation, fretfulness, irritation, petulance, wrath.

_Displeasure_ is the mildest and most general word. _Choler_ and _ire_, now rare except in poetic or highly rhetorical language, denote a still, and the latter a persistent, _anger_. _Temper_ used alone in the sense of _anger_ is colloquial, tho we may correctly say a hot _temper_, a fiery _temper_, etc. _Passion_, tho a word of far wider application, may, in the singular, be employed to denote _anger_; "did put me in a towering _passion_," SHAKESPEARE _Hamlet_ act v, sc. 2. _Anger_ is violent and vindictive emotion, which is sharp, sudden, and, like all violent passions, necessarily brief. _Resentment_ (a feeling back or feeling over again) is persistent, the bitter brooding over injuries. _Exasperation_, a roughening, is a hot, superficial intensity of _anger_, demanding instant expression. _Rage_ drives one beyond the bounds of prudence or discretion; _fury_ is stronger yet, and sweeps one away into uncontrollable violence. _Anger_ is personal and usually selfish, aroused by real or supposed wrong to oneself, and directed specifically and intensely against the person who is viewed as blameworthy. _Indignation_ is impersonal and unselfish _displeasure_ at unworthy acts (L. _indigna_), _i. e._, at wrong as wrong. Pure _indignation_ is not followed by regret, and needs no repentance; it is also more self-controlled than _anger_. _Anger_ is commonly a sin; _indignation_ is often a duty. _Wrath_ is deep and perhaps vengeful _displeasure_, as when the people of Nazareth were "filled with _wrath_" at the plain words of Jesus (_Luke_ iv, 28); it may, however, simply express the culmination of righteous _indignation_ without malice in a pure being; as, the _wrath_ of God. _Impatience_, _fretfulness_, _irritation_, _peevishness_, _pettishness_, _petulance_, and _vexation_ express the slighter forms of anger. _Irritation_, _petulance_, and _vexation_ are temporary and for immediate cause. _Fretfulness_, _pettishness_, and _peevishness_ are chronic states finding in any petty matter an occasion for their exercise. Compare ACRIMONY; ENMITY; HATRED.

Antonyms:

amiability, leniency, mildness, peacefulness, charity, lenity, patience, self-control, forbearance, long-suffering, peace, self-restraint. gentleness, love, peaceableness,

Prepositions:

Anger _at_ the insult prompted the reply. Anger _toward_ the offender exaggerates the offense.

* * * * *

ANIMAL.

Synonyms:

beast, fauna, living organism, sentient being. brute, living creature,

An _animal_ is a _sentient being_, distinct from inanimate matter and from vegetable life on the one side and from mental and spiritual existence on the other. Thus man is properly classified as an _animal_. But because the animal life is the lowest and rudest part of his being and that which he shares with inferior _creatures_, to call any individual man an _animal_ is to imply that the animal nature has undue supremacy, and so is deep condemnation or utter insult. The _brute_ is the _animal_ viewed as dull to all finer feeling; the _beast_ is looked upon as a being of appetites. To call a man a _brute_ is to imply that he is unfeeling and cruel; to call him a _beast_ is to indicate that he is vilely sensual. We speak of the cruel father as a _brute_ to his children; of the drunkard as making a _beast_ of himself. So firmly are these figurative senses established that we now incline to avoid applying _brute_ or _beast_ to any creature, as a horse or dog, for which we have any affection; we prefer in such cases the word _animal_. _Creature_ is a word of wide signification, including all the things that God has created, whether inanimate objects, plants, animals, angels, or men. The _animals_ of a region are collectively called its _fauna_.

Antonyms:

angel, man, mind, soul, substance (material), inanimate object, matter, mineral, spirit, vegetable.

* * * * *

ANNOUNCE.

Synonyms:

advertise, give notice (of), proclaim, reveal, circulate, give out, promulgate, say, communicate, herald, propound, spread abroad, declare, make known, publish, state, enunciate, notify, report, tell.

To _announce_ is to give intelligence of in some formal or public way. We may _announce_ that which has occurred or that which is to occur, tho the word is chiefly used in the anticipative sense; we _announce_ a book when it is in press, a guest when he arrives. We _advertise_ our business, _communicate_ our intentions, _enunciate_ our views; we _notify_ an individual, _give notice_ to the public. _Declare_ has often an authoritative force; to _declare_ war is to cause war to be, where before there may have been only hostilities; we say _declare_ war, _proclaim_ peace. We _propound_ a question or an argument, _promulgate_ the views of a sect or party, or the decision of a court, etc. We _report_ an interview, _reveal_ a secret, _herald_ the coming of some distinguished person or great event. _Publish_, in popular usage, is becoming closely restricted to the sense of issuing through the press; we _announce_ a book that is to be _published_.

Antonyms:

bury, cover (up), hush, keep secret, suppress, conceal, hide, keep back, secrete, withhold.

Prepositions:

The event was announced _to_ the family _by_ telegraph.

* * * * *

ANSWER.

Synonyms:

rejoinder, repartee, reply, response, retort.

A verbal _answer_ is a return of words to something that seems to call for them, and is made to a charge as well as to a question; an _answer_ may be even made to an unspoken implication or manifestation; see _Luke_ v, 22. In a wider sense, anything said or done in return for some word, action, or suggestion of another may be called an _answer_. The blow of an enraged man, the whinny of a horse, the howling of the wind, the movement of a bolt in a lock, an echo, etc., may each be an _answer_ to some word or movement. A _reply_ is an unfolding, and ordinarily implies thought and intelligence. A _rejoinder_ is strictly an _answer_ to a _reply_, tho often used in the general sense of _answer_, but always with the implication of something more or less controversial or opposed, tho lacking the conclusiveness implied in _answer_; an _answer_, in the full sense, to a charge, an argument, or an objection is adequate, and finally refutes and disposes of it; a _reply_ or _rejoinder_ may be quite inadequate, so that one may say, "This _reply_ is not an _answer_;" "I am ready with an _answer_" means far more than "I am ready with a _reply_." A _response_ is accordant or harmonious, designed or adapted to carry on the thought of the words that called it forth, as the _responses_ in a liturgical service, or to meet the wish of him who seeks it; as, the appeal for aid met a prompt and hearty _response_. _Repartee_ is a prompt, witty, and commonly good-natured _answer_ to some argument or attack; a _retort_ may also be witty, but is severe and may be even savage in its intensity.

Prepositions:

An answer _in_ writing, or _by_ word of mouth, _to_ the question.

* * * * *

ANTICIPATE.

Synonyms:

apprehend, forecast, hope, expect, foretaste, look forward to.

To _anticipate_ may be either to take before in fact or to take before in thought; in the former sense it is allied with _prevent_; in the latter, with the synonyms above given. This is coming to be the prevalent and favorite use. We _expect_ that which we have good reason to believe will happen; as, a boy _expects_ to grow to manhood. We _hope_ for that which we much desire and somewhat _expect_. We _apprehend_ what we both _expect_ and fear. _Anticipate_ is commonly used now, like _foretaste_, of that which we _expect_ both with confidence and pleasure. In this use it is a stronger word than _hope_, where often "the wish is father to the thought." I _hope_ for a visit from my friend, tho I have no word from him; I _expect_ it when he writes that he is coming; and as the time draws near I _anticipate_ it with pleasure. Compare ABIDE; PREVENT.

Antonyms:

despair of, doubt, dread, fear, recall, recollect, remember. distrust,

* * * * *

ANTICIPATION.

Synonyms:

antepast, expectation, foresight, hope, apprehension, foreboding, foretaste, presentiment, expectancy, forecast, forethought, prevision.

_Expectation_ may be either of good or evil; _presentiment_ almost always, _apprehension_ and _foreboding_ always, of evil; _anticipation_ and _antepast_, commonly of good. Thus, we speak of the pleasures of _anticipation_. A _foretaste_ may be of good or evil, and is more than imaginary; it is a part actually received in advance. _Foresight_ and _forethought_ prevent future evil and secure future good by timely looking forward, and acting upon what is foreseen. Compare ANTICIPATE.

Antonyms:

astonishment, despair, dread, fear, surprise, consummation, doubt, enjoyment, realization, wonder.

* * * * *

ANTIPATHY.

Synonyms:

abhorrence, disgust, hatred, repugnance, antagonism, dislike, hostility, repulsion, aversion, distaste, opposition, uncongeniality. detestation,

_Antipathy_, _repugnance_, and _uncongeniality_ are instinctive; other forms of _dislike_ may be acquired or cherished for cause. _Uncongeniality_ is negative, a want of touch or sympathy. An _antipathy_ to a person or thing is an instinctive recoil from connection or association with that person or thing, and may be physical or mental, or both. _Antagonism_ may result from the necessity of circumstances; _opposition_ may spring from conflicting views or interests; _abhorrence_ and _detestation_ may be the result of religious and moral training; _distaste_ and _disgust_ may be acquired; _aversion_ is a deep and permanent _dislike_. A natural _antipathy_ may give rise to _opposition_ which may result in _hatred_ and _hostility_. Compare ACRIMONY; ANGER; ENMITY; HATRED.

Antonyms:

affinity, attraction, fellow-feeling, kindliness, sympathy. agreement, congeniality, harmony, regard,

Prepositions:

Antipathy _to_ (less frequently _for_ or _against_) a person or thing; antipathy _between_ or _betwixt_ two persons or things.

* * * * *

ANTIQUE.

Synonyms:

ancient, old-fashioned, quaint, superannuated. antiquated,

_Antique_ refers to an _ancient_, _antiquated_ to a discarded style. _Antique_ is that which is either _ancient_ in fact or _ancient_ in style. The reference is to the style rather than to the age. We can speak of the _antique_ architecture of a church just built. The difference between _antiquated_ and _antique_ is not in the age, for a Puritan style may be scorned as _antiquated_, while a Roman or Renaissance style may be prized as _antique_. The _antiquated_ is not so much out of date as out of vogue. _Old-fashioned_ may be used approvingly or contemptuously. In the latter case it becomes a synonym for _antiquated_; in the good sense it approaches the meaning of _antique_, but indicates less duration. We call a wide New England fireplace _old-fashioned_; a coin of the Cæsars, _antique_. _Quaint_ combines the idea of age with a pleasing oddity; as, a _quaint_ gambrel-roofed house. _Antiquated_ is sometimes used of persons in a sense akin to _superannuated_. The _antiquated_ person is out of style and out of sympathy with the present generation by reason of age; the _superannuated_ person is incapacitated for present activities by reason of age. Compare OLD.

Antonyms:

fashionable, fresh, modern, modish, new, recent, stylish.

* * * * *

ANXIETY.

Synonyms:

anguish, disquiet, foreboding, perplexity, apprehension, disturbance, fretfulness, solicitude, care, dread, fretting, trouble, concern, fear, misgiving, worry.

_Anxiety_ is, according to its derivation, a choking _disquiet_, akin to _anguish_; _anxiety_ is mental; _anguish_ may be mental or physical; _anguish_ is in regard to the known, _anxiety_ in regard to the unknown; _anguish_ is because of what has happened, _anxiety_ because of what may happen. _Anxiety_ refers to some future event, always suggesting hopeful possibility, and thus differing from _apprehension_, _fear_, _dread_, _foreboding_, _terror_, all of which may be quite despairing. In matters within our reach, _anxiety_ always stirs the question whether something can not be done, and is thus a valuable spur to doing; in this respect it is allied to _care_. _Foreboding_, _dread_, etc., commonly incapacitate for all helpful thought or endeavor. _Worry_ is a more petty, restless, and manifest _anxiety_; _anxiety_ may be quiet and silent; _worry_ is communicated to all around. _Solicitude_ is a milder _anxiety_. _Fretting_ or _fretfulness_ is a weak complaining without thought of accomplishing or changing anything, but merely as a relief to one's own _disquiet_. _Perplexity_ often involves _anxiety_, but may be quite free from it. A student may be _perplexed_ regarding a translation, yet, if he has time enough, not at all anxious regarding it.

Antonyms:

apathy, calmness, confidence, light-heartedness, satisfaction, assurance, carelessness, ease, nonchalance, tranquillity.

Prepositions:

Anxiety _for_ a friend's return; anxiety _about_, _in regard to_, or _concerning_ the future.

* * * * *

APATHY.

Synonyms:

calmness, indifference, quietness, stoicism, composure, insensibility, quietude, tranquillity, immobility, lethargy, sluggishness, unconcern, impassibility, phlegm, stillness, unfeelingness.

_Apathy_, according to its Greek derivation, is a simple absence of feeling or emotion. There are persons to whom a certain degree of _apathy_ is natural, an innate _sluggishness_ of the emotional nature. In the _apathy_ of despair, a person gives up, without resistance or sensibility, to what he has fiercely struggled to avoid. While _apathy_ is want of feeling, _calmness_ is feeling without agitation. _Calmness_ is the result of strength, courage, or trust; _apathy_ is the result of dulness or weakness. _Composure_ is freedom from agitation or disturbance, resulting ordinarily from force of will, or from perfect confidence in one's own resources. _Impassibility_ is a philosophical term applied to the Deity, as infinitely exalted above all stir of passion or emotion. _Unfeelingness_, the Saxon word that should be the exact equivalent of _apathy_, really means more, a lack of the feeling one ought to have, a censurable hardness of heart. _Indifference_ and _insensibility_ designate the absence of feeling toward certain persons or things; _apathy_, entire absence of feeling. _Indifference_ is a want of interest; _insensibility_ is a want of feeling; _unconcern_ has reference to consequences. We speak of _insensibility_ of heart, _immobility_ of countenance. _Stoicism_ is an intentional suppression of feeling and deadening of sensibilities, while _apathy_ is involuntary. Compare CALM; REST; STUPOR.

Antonyms:

agitation, disturbance, feeling, sensibility, sympathy, alarm, eagerness, frenzy, sensitiveness, turbulence, anxiety, emotion, fury, storm, vehemence, care, excitement, passion, susceptibility, violence. distress,

Prepositions:

The apathy _of_ monastic life; apathy _toward_ good.

* * * * *

APIECE.

Synonyms:

distributively, each, individually, separately, severally.

There is no discernible difference in sense between so much _apiece_ and so much _each_; the former is the more common and popular, the latter the more elegant expression. _Distributively_ is generally used of numbers and abstract relations. _Individually_ emphasizes the independence of the individuals; _separately_ and _severally_ still more emphatically hold them apart. The signers of a note may become jointly and _severally_ responsible, that is, _each_ liable for the entire amount, as if he had signed it alone. Witnesses are often brought _separately_ into court, in order that no one may be influenced by the testimony of another. If a company of laborers demand a dollar _apiece_, that is a demand that _each_ shall receive that sum; if they _individually_ demand a dollar, _each_ individual makes the demand.

Antonyms:

accumulatively, confusedly, indiscriminately, together, unitedly. collectively, _en masse_, synthetically,

* * * * *

APOLOGY.

Synonyms:

acknowledgment, defense, excuse, plea, confession, exculpation, justification, vindication.

All these words express one's answer to a charge of wrong or error that is or might be made. _Apology_ has undergone a remarkable change from its old sense of a valiant _defense_--as in Justin Martyr's _Apologies_ for the Christian faith--to its present meaning of humble _confession_ and concession. He who offers an _apology_ admits himself, at least technically and seemingly, in the wrong. An _apology_ is for what one has done or left undone; an _excuse_ may be for what one proposes to do or leave undone as well; as, one sends beforehand his _excuse_ for not accepting an invitation; if he should fail either to be present or to excuse himself, an _apology_ would be in order. An _excuse_ for a fault is an attempt at partial justification; as, one alleges haste as an _excuse_ for carelessness. _Confession_ is a full _acknowledgment_ of wrong, generally of a grave wrong, with or without _apology_ or _excuse_. _Plea_ ranges in sense from a prayer for favor or pardon to an attempt at full _vindication_. _Defense_, _exculpation_, _justification_, and _vindication_ are more properly antonyms than synonyms of _apology_ in its modern sense, and should be so given, but for their connection with its historic usage. Compare CONFESS; DEFENSE.

Antonyms:

accusation, charge, condemnation, injury, offense, censure, complaint, imputation, insult, wrong.

Prepositions:

An apology _to_ the guest _for_ the oversight would be fitting.

* * * * *

APPARENT.

Synonyms:

likely, presumable, probable, seeming.

The _apparent_ is that which appears; the word has two contrasted senses, either of that which is manifest, visible, certain, or of that which merely seems to be and may be very different from what is; as, the _apparent_ motion of the sun around the earth. _Apparent_ kindness casts a doubt on the reality of the kindness; _apparent_ neglect implies that more care and pains may have been bestowed than we are aware of. _Presumable_ implies that a thing may be reasonably supposed beforehand without any full knowledge of the facts. _Probable_ implies that we know facts enough to make us moderately confident of it. _Seeming_ expresses great doubt of the reality; _seeming_ innocence comes very near in meaning to _probable_ guilt. _Apparent_ indicates less assurance than _probable_, and more than _seeming_. A man's _probable_ intent we believe will prove to be his real intent; his _seeming_ intent we believe to be a sham; his _apparent_ intent may be the true one, tho we have not yet evidence on which to pronounce with certainty or even with confidence. _Likely_ is a word with a wide range of usage, but always implying the belief that the thing is, or will be, true; it is often used with the infinitive, as the other words of this list can not be; as, it is _likely_ to happen. Compare EVIDENT.

Antonyms:

doubtful, dubious, improbable, unimaginable, unlikely.

Prepositions:

(When _apparent_ is used in the sense of evident): His guilt is apparent _in_ every act _to_ all observers.

* * * * *

APPEAR.

Synonyms:

have the appearance _or_ semblance, look, seem.

_Appear_ and _look_ refer to what manifests itself to the senses; to a semblance or probability presented directly to the mind. _Seem_ applies to what is manifest to the mind on reflection. It suddenly _appears_ to me that there is smoke in the distance; as I watch, it _looks_ like a fire; from my knowledge of the locality and observation of particulars, it _seems_ to me a farmhouse must be burning.

Antonyms:

be, be certain, real, _or_ true, be the fact, exist.

Prepositions:

Appear _at_ the front; _among_ the first; _on_ or _upon_ the surface; _to_ the eye; _in_ evidence, _in_ print; _from_ reports; _near_ the harbor; _before_ the public; _in_ appropriate dress; _with_ the insignia of his rank; _above_ the clouds; _below_ the surface; _under_ the lee; _over_ the sea; _through_ the mist; appear _for_, _in behalf of_, or _against_ one in court.

* * * * *

APPENDAGE.

Synonyms:

accessory, addition, appurtenance, concomitant, accompaniment, adjunct, attachment, extension, addendum, appendix, auxiliary, supplement.