Chapter VI: Part I: Synonyms, Antonyms and Prepositions (4)

The Latin _commencement_ is more formal than the Saxon _beginning_, as the verb _commence_, is more formal than _begin_. _Commencement_ is for the most part restricted to some form of action, while _beginning_ has no restriction, but may be applied to action, state, material, extent, enumeration, or to whatever else may be conceived of as having a first part, point, degree, etc. The letter A is at the _beginning_ (not the _commencement_) of every alphabet. If we were to speak of the _commencement_ of the Pacific Railroad, we should be understood to refer to the enterprise and its initiatory act; if we were to refer to the roadway we should say "Here is the _beginning_ of the Pacific Railroad." In the great majority of cases _begin_ and _beginning_ are preferable to _commence_ and _commencement_ as the simple, idiomatic English words, always accurate and expressive. "In the _beginning_ was the word," _John_ i, 1. An _origin_ is the point from which something starts or sets out, often involving, and always suggesting causal connection; as, the _origin_ of evil; the _origin_ of a nation, a government, or a family. A _source_ is that which furnishes a first and continuous supply, that which flows forth freely or may be readily recurred to; as, the _source_ of a river; a _source_ of knowledge; a _source_ of inspiration; fertile land is a _source_ (not an _origin_) of wealth. A _rise_ is thought of as in an action; we say that a lake is the _source_ of a certain river, or that the river takes its _rise_ from the lake. Motley wrote of "The _Rise_ of the Dutch Republic." _Fount_, _fountain_, and _spring_, in their figurative senses, keep close to their literal meaning. Compare CAUSE.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for END.

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BEHAVIOR.

Synonyms:

action, breeding, conduct, deportment, manner, bearing, carriage, demeanor, life, manners.

_Behavior_ is our _action_ in the presence of others; _conduct_ includes also that which is known only to ourselves and our Maker. _Carriage_ expresses simply the manner of holding the body, especially in sitting or walking, as when it is said of a lady "she has a fine _carriage_." _Bearing_ refers to the bodily expression of feeling or disposition; as, a haughty _bearing_; a noble _bearing_. _Demeanor_ is the bodily expression, not only of feelings, but of moral states; as, a devout _demeanor_. _Breeding_, unless with some adverse limitation, denotes that _manner_ and _conduct_ which result from good birth and training. _Deportment_ is _behavior_ as related to a set of rules; as, the pupil's _deportment_ was faultless. A person's _manner_ may be that of a moment, or toward a single person; his _manners_ are his habitual style of _behavior_ toward or before others, especially in matters of etiquette and politeness; as, good _manners_ are always pleasing.

Prepositions:

The behavior _of_ the pastor _to_ or _toward_ his people, _on_ or _upon_ the streets, _before_ the multitude, or _in_ the church, _with_ the godly, or _with_ the worldly, was alike faultless.

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BEND.

Synonyms:

bias, curve, diverge, mold, submit, twist, bow, deflect, incline, persuade, turn, warp, crook, deviate, influence, stoop, twine, yield.

In some cases a thing is spoken of as _bent_ where the parts make an angle; but oftener to _bend_ is understood to be to draw to or through a curve; as, to _bend_ a bow. To _submit_ or _yield_ is to _bend_ the mind humbly to another's wishes. To _incline_ or _influence_ is to _bend_ another's wishes toward our own; to _persuade_ is to draw them quite over. To _warp_ is to _bend_ silently through the whole fiber, as a board in the sun. To _crook_ is to _bend_ irregularly, as a _crooked_ stick. _Deflect_, _deviate_, and _diverge_ are said of any turning away; _deviate_ commonly of a slight and gradual movement, _diverge_ of a more sharp and decided one. To _bias_ is to cut across the texture, or incline to one side; in figurative use always with an unfavorable import. _Mold_ is a stronger work than _bend_; we may _bend_ by a superior force that which still resists the constraint; as, a _bent_ bow; we _mold_ something plastic entirely to some desired form.

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BENEVOLENCE.

Synonyms:

almsgiving, charity, kind-heartedness, munificence, beneficence, generosity, kindliness, philanthropy, benignity, good-will, kindness, sympathy, bounty, humanity, liberality, unselfishness.

According to the etymology and original usage, _beneficence_ is the doing well, _benevolence_ the wishing or willing well to others; but _benevolence_ has come to include _beneficence_, and to displace it. We should not now speak of _benevolence_ which did not help, unless where there was no power to help; even then we should rather say _good-will_ or _sympathy_. _Charity_, which originally meant the purest love for God and man (as in _1 Cor._ xiii), is now almost universally applied to some form of _almsgiving_, and is much more limited in meaning than _benevolence_. _Benignity_ suggests some occult power of blessing, such as was formerly ascribed to the stars; we may say a good man has an air of _benignity_. _Kindness_ and _tenderness_ are personal; _benevolence_ and _charity_ are general. _Kindness_ extends to all sentient beings, whether men or animals, in prosperity or in distress. _Tenderness_ especially goes out toward the young, feeble, and needy, or even to the dead. _Humanity_ is so much _kindness_ and _tenderness_ toward man or beast as it would be inhuman not to have; we say of some act of care or _kindness_, "common _humanity_ requires it." _Generosity_ is self-forgetful _kindness_ in disposition or action; it includes much besides giving; as, the _generosity_ of forgiveness. _Bounty_ applies to ample giving, which on a larger scale is expressed by _munificence_. _Liberality_ indicates broad, genial kindly views, whether manifested in gifts or otherwise. We speak of the _bounty_ of a generous host, the _liberality_ or _munificence_ of the founder of a college, or of the _liberality_ of a theologian toward the holders of conflicting beliefs. _Philanthropy_ applies to wide schemes for human welfare, often, but not always, involving large expenditures in _charity_ or _benevolence_. Compare MERCY.

Antonyms:

barbarity, greediness, ill-will, malignity, self-seeking, brutality, harshness, inhumanity, niggardliness, stinginess, churlishness, illiberality, malevolence, selfishness, unkindness.

Prepositions:

Benevolence _of_, _on the part of_, or _from_ the wealthy, _to_ or _toward_ the poor.

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BIND.

Synonyms:

compel, fetter, oblige, restrict, shackle, engage, fix, restrain, secure, tie. fasten,

_Binding_ is primarily by something flexible, as a cord or bandage drawn closely around an object or group of objects, as when we _bind_ up a wounded limb. We _bind_ a sheaf of wheat with a cord; we _tie_ the cord in a knot; we _fasten_ by any means that will make things hold together, as a board by nails, or a door by a lock. The verbs _tie_ and _fasten_ are scarcely used in the figurative sense, tho, using the noun, we speak of the _ties_ of affection. _Bind_ has an extensive figurative use. One is _bound_ by conscience or honor; he is _obliged_ by some imperious necessity; _engaged_ by his own promise; _compelled_ by physical force or its moral equivalent.

Antonyms:

free, loose, set free, unbind, unfasten, unloose, untie.

Prepositions:

Bind _to_ a pillar; _unto_ an altar; _to_ a service; bind one _with_ chains or _in_ chains; one is bound _by_ a contract; a splint is bound _upon_ a limb; the arms may be bound _to_ the sides or _behind_ the back; bind a wreath _about_, _around_, or _round_ the head; twigs are bound _in_ or _into_ fagots; for military purposes, they are bound _at_ both ends and _in_ the middle; one is bound _by_ a contract, or bound _under_ a penalty to fulfil a contract.

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BITTER.

Synonyms:

acerb, acidulous, caustic, pungent, stinging, acetous, acrid, cutting, savage, tart, acid, acrimonious, harsh, sharp, vinegarish, acidulated, biting, irate, sour, virulent.

_Acid_, _sour_, and _bitter_ agree in being contrasted with _sweet_, but the two former are sharply distinguished from the latter. _Acid_ or _sour_ is the taste of vinegar or lemon-juice; _bitter_ that of quassia, quinine, or strychnine. _Acrid_ is nearly allied to _bitter_. _Pungent_ suggests the effect of pepper or snuff on the organs of taste or smell; as, a _pungent_ odor. _Caustic_ indicates the corroding effect of some strong chemical, as nitrate of silver. In a figurative sense, as applied to language or character, these words are very closely allied. We say a _sour_ face, _sharp_ words, _bitter_ complaints, _caustic_ wit, _cutting_ irony, _biting_ sarcasm, a _stinging_ taunt, _harsh_ judgment, a _tart_ reply. _Harsh_ carries the idea of intentional and severe unkindness, _bitter_ of a severity that arises from real or supposed ill treatment. The _bitter_ speech springs from the sore heart. _Tart_ and _sharp_ utterances may not proceed from an intention to wound, but merely from a wit recklessly keen; _cutting_, _stinging_, and _biting_ speech indicates more or less of hostile intent, the latter being the more deeply malicious. The _caustic_ utterance is meant to burn, perhaps wholesomely, as in the satire of Juvenal or Cervantes. Compare MOROSE.

Antonyms:

dulcet, honeyed, luscious, nectared, saccharine, sweet.

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BLEACH, _v._

Synonyms:

blanch, make white, whiten, whitewash.

To _whiten_ is to _make white_ in general, but commonly it means to overspread with white coloring-matter. _Bleach_ and _blanch_ both signify to _whiten_ by depriving of color, the former permanently, as linen; the latter either permanently (as, to _blanch_ celery) or temporarily (as, to _blanch_ the cheek with fear). To _whitewash_ is to _whiten_ superficially, especially by false approval.

Antonyms:

blacken, color, darken, dye, soil, stain.

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BLEMISH.

Synonyms:

blot, defacement, disgrace, injury, spot, blur, defect, dishonor, reproach, stain, brand, deformity, fault, smirch, stigma, crack, dent, flaw, soil, taint, daub, disfigurement, imperfection, speck, tarnish.

Whatever mars the beauty or completeness of an object is a _blemish_, whether original, as squinting eyes, or the result of accident or disease, etc., as the pits of smallpox. A _blemish_ is superficial; a _flaw_ or _taint_ is in structure or substance. In the moral sense, we speak of a _blot_ or _stain_ upon reputation; a _flaw_ or _taint_ in character. A _defect_ is the want or lack of something; _fault_, primarily a failing, is something that fails of an apparent intent or disappoints a natural expectation; thus a sudden dislocation or displacement of geological strata is called a _fault_. Figuratively, a _blemish_ comes from one's own ill-doing; a _brand_ or _stigma_ is inflicted by others; as, the _brand_ of infamy.

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BLOW.

Synonyms:

box, concussion, disaster, misfortune, stripe, buffet, cuff, knock, rap, stroke, calamity, cut, lash, shock, thump.

A _blow_ is a sudden impact, as of a fist or a club; a _stroke_ is a sweeping movement; as, the _stroke_ of a sword, of an oar, of the arm in swimming. A _shock_ is the sudden encounter with some heavy body; as, colliding railway-trains meet with a _shock_; the _shock_ of battle. A _slap_ is given with the open hand, a _lash_ with a whip, thong, or the like; we speak also of the _cut_ of a whip. A _buffet_ or _cuff_ is given only with the hand; a _blow_ either with hand or weapon. A _cuff_ is a somewhat sidelong _blow_, generally with the open hand; as, a _cuff_ or _box_ on the ear. A _stripe_ is the effect or mark of a _stroke_. In the metaphorical sense, _blow_ is used for sudden, stunning, staggering _calamity_ or sorrow; _stroke_ for sweeping _disaster_, and also for sweeping achievement and success. We say a _stroke_ of paralysis, or a _stroke_ of genius. We speak of the _buffets_ of adverse fortune. _Shock_ is used of that which is at once sudden, violent, and prostrating; we speak of a _shock_ of electricity, the _shock_ of an amputation, a _shock_ of surprise. Compare BEAT.

* * * * *

BLUFF.

Synonyms:

abrupt, brusk, impolite, rough, blunt, coarse, inconsiderate, rude, blustering, discourteous, open, uncivil, bold, frank, plain-spoken, unmannerly.

_Bluff_ is a word of good meaning, as are _frank_ and _open_. The _bluff_ man talks and laughs loudly and freely, says and does whatever he pleases with fearless good nature, and with no thought of annoying or giving pain to others. The _blunt_ man says things which he is perfectly aware are disagreeable, either from a defiant indifference to others' feelings, or from the pleasure of tormenting.

Antonyms:

bland, genial, polished, polite, refined, reserved, urbane. courteous,

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BODY.

Synonyms:

ashes, clay, dust, frame, system, carcass, corpse, form, remains, trunk.

_Body_ denotes the entire physical structure, considered as a whole, of man or animal; _form_ looks upon it as a thing of shape and outline, perhaps of beauty; _frame_ regards it as supported by its bony framework; _system_ views it as an assemblage of many related and harmonious organs. _Body_, _form_, _frame_, and _system_ may be either dead or living; _clay_ and _dust_ are sometimes so used in religious or poetic style, tho ordinarily these words are used only of the dead. _Corpse_ and _remains_ are used only of the dead. _Corpse_ is the plain technical word for a dead body still retaining its unity; _remains_ may be used after any lapse of time; the latter is also the more refined and less ghastly term; as, friends are invited to view the _remains_. _Carcass_ applies only to the _body_ of an animal, or of a human being regarded with contempt and loathing. Compare COMPANY.

Antonyms:

intellect, intelligence, mind, soul, spirit.

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BOTH.

Synonyms:

twain, two.

_Both_ refers to _two_ objects previously _mentioned_, or had in mind, viewed or acting in connection; as, _both_ men fired at once; "_two_ men fired" might mean any two, out of any number, and without reference to any previous thought or mention. _Twain_ is a nearly obsolete form of _two_. _The two_, or _the twain_, is practically equivalent to _both_; _both_, however, expresses a closer unity. We would say _both_ men rushed against the enemy; the _two_ men flew at each other. Compare EVERY.

Antonyms:

each, either, every, neither, none, no one, not any.

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BOUNDARY.

Synonyms:

barrier, confines, limit, margin, border, edge, line, term, bound, enclosure, marches, termination, bourn, frontier, marge, verge. bourne, landmark,

The _boundary_ was originally the _landmark_, that which marked off one piece of territory from another. The _bound_ is the _limit_, marked or unmarked. Now, however, the difference between the two words has come to be simply one of usage. As regards territory, we speak of the _boundaries_ of a nation or of an estate; the _bounds_ of a college, a ball-ground, etc. _Bounds_ may be used for all within the _limits_, _boundary_ for the limiting line only. _Boundary_ looks to that which is without; _bound_ only to that which is within. Hence we speak of the _bounds_, not the _boundaries_, of a subject, of the universe, etc.; we say the students were forbidden to go beyond the _bounds_. A _barrier_ is something that bars ingress or egress. A _barrier_ may be a _boundary_, as was the Great Wall of China. _Bourn_, or _bourne_, is a poetical expression for _bound_ or _boundary_. A _border_ is a strip of land along the _boundary_. _Edge_ is a sharp terminal line, as where river or ocean meets the land. _Limit_ is now used almost wholly in the figurative sense; as, the _limit_ of discussion, of time, of jurisdiction. _Line_ is a military term; as, within the _lines_, or through the _lines_, of an army. Compare BARRIER; END.

Antonyms:

center, citadel, estate, inside, interior, land, region, territory.

Prepositions:

The boundaries _of_ an estate; the boundary _between_ neighboring territories.

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BRAVE.

Synonyms:

adventurous, courageous, fearless, undaunted, bold, daring, gallant, undismayed, chivalric, dauntless, heroic, valiant, chivalrous, doughty, intrepid, venturesome.

The _adventurous_ man goes in quest of danger; the _bold_ man stands out and faces danger or censure; the _brave_ man combines confidence with resolution in presence of danger; the _chivalrous_ man puts himself in peril for others' protection. The _daring_ step out to defy danger; the _dauntless_ will not flinch before anything that may come to them; the _doughty_ will give and take limitless hard knocks. The _adventurous_ find something romantic in dangerous enterprises; the _venturesome_ may be simply heedless, reckless, or ignorant. All great explorers have been _adventurous_; children, fools, and criminals are _venturesome_. The _fearless_ and _intrepid_ possess unshaken nerves in any place of danger. _Courageous_ is more than _brave_, adding a moral element: the _courageous_ man steadily encounters perils to which he may be keenly sensitive, at the call of duty; the _gallant_ are _brave_ in a dashing, showy, and splendid way; the _valiant_ not only dare great dangers, but achieve great results; the _heroic_ are nobly _daring_ and _dauntless_, truly _chivalrous_, sublimely _courageous_. Compare FORTITUDE.

Antonyms:

afraid, cringing, fearful, pusillanimous, timid, cowardly, faint-hearted, frightened, shrinking, timorous.

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BREAK.

Synonyms:

bankrupt, crack, destroy, rive, shatter, split, burst, crush, fracture, rupture, shiver, sunder, cashier, demolish, rend, sever, smash, transgress.

To _break_ is to divide sharply, with severance of particles, as by a blow or strain. To _burst_ is to _break_ by pressure from within, as a bombshell, but it is used also for the result of violent force otherwise exerted; as, to _burst_ in a door, where the door yields as if to an explosion. To _crush_ is to _break_ by pressure from without, as an egg-shell. To _crack_ is to _break_ without complete severance of parts; a _cracked_ cup or mirror may still hold together. _Fracture_ has a somewhat similar sense. In a _fractured_ limb, the ends of the _broken_ bone may be separated, tho both portions are still retained within the common muscular tissue. A _shattered_ object is _broken_ suddenly and in numerous directions; as, a vase is _shattered_ by a blow, a building by an earthquake. A _shivered_ glass is _broken_ into numerous minute, needle-like fragments. To _smash_ is to _break_ thoroughly to pieces with a crashing sound by some sudden act of violence; a watch once _smashed_ will scarcely be worth repair. To _split_ is to cause wood to crack or part in the way of the grain, and is applied to any other case where a natural tendency to separation is enforced by an external cause; as, to _split_ a convention or a party. To _demolish_ is to beat down, as a mound, building, fortress, etc.; to _destroy_ is to put by any process beyond restoration physically, mentally, or morally; to _destroy_ an army is so to _shatter_ and scatter it that it can not be rallied or reassembled as a fighting force. Compare REND.

Antonyms:

attach, bind, fasten, join, mend, secure, solder, unite, weld.

Prepositions:

Break _to_ pieces, or _in_ pieces, _into_ several pieces (when the object is thought of as divided rather than shattered); break _with_ a friend; _from_ or _away from_ a suppliant; break _into_ a house; _out of_ prison; break _across_ one's knee; break _through_ a hedge; break _in upon_ one's retirement; break _over_ the rules; break _on_ or _upon_ the shore, _against_ the rocks.

* * * * *

BRUTISH.

Synonyms:

animal, brutal, ignorant, sensual, swinish, base, brute, imbruted, sottish, unintellectual, beastly, carnal, insensible, stolid, unspiritual, bestial, coarse, lascivious, stupid, vile.

A _brutish_ man simply follows his _animal_ instincts, without special inclination to do harm; the _brutal_ have always a spirit of malice and cruelty. _Brute_ has no special character, except as indicating what a brute might possess; much the same is true of _animal_, except that _animal_ leans more to the side of sensuality, _brute_ to that of force, as appears in the familiar phrase "_brute_ force." Hunger is an _animal_ appetite; a _brute_ impulse suddenly prompts one to strike a blow in anger. _Bestial_, in modern usage, implies an intensified and degrading animalism. Any supremacy of the _animal_ or _brute_ instincts over the intellectual and spiritual in man is _base_ and _vile_. _Beastly_ refers largely to the outward and visible consequences of excess; as, _beastly_ drunkenness. Compare ANIMAL.

Antonyms:

elevated, exalted, great, intellectual, noble, enlightened, grand, humane, intelligent, refined.

* * * * *

BURN.

Synonyms:

blaze, char, flame, incinerate, set fire to, brand, consume, flash, kindle, set on fire, cauterize, cremate, ignite, scorch, singe.

To _burn_ is to subject to the action of fire, or of intense heat so as to effect either partial change or complete combustion; as, to _burn_ wood in the fire; to _burn_ one's hand on a hot stove; the sun _burns_ the face. One _brands_ with a hot iron, but _cauterizes_ with some corrosive substance, as silver nitrate. _Cremate_ is now used specifically for _consuming_ a dead body by intense heat. To _incinerate_ is to reduce to ashes; the sense differs little from that of _cremate_, but it is in less popular use. To _kindle_ is to _set on fire_, as if with a candle; _ignite_ is the more learned and scientific word for the same thing, extending even to the heating of metals to a state of incandescence without burning. To _scorch_ and to _singe_ are superficial, and to _char_ usually so. Both _kindle_ and _burn_ have an extensive figurative use; as, to _kindle_ strife; to _burn_ with wrath, love, devotion, curiosity. Compare LIGHT.

Antonyms:

cool, extinguish, put out, smother, stifle, subdue.

Prepositions:

To burn _in_ the fire, burn _with_ fire; burn _to_ the ground, burn _to_ ashes; burn _through_ the skin, or the roof; burn _into_ the soil, etc.

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BUSINESS.

Synonyms:

affair, commerce, handicraft, trading, art, concern, job, traffic, avocation, craft, occupation, transaction, barter, duty, profession, vocation, calling, employment, trade, work.

A _business_ is what one follows regularly; an _occupation_ is what he happens at any time to be engaged in; trout-fishing may be one's _occupation_ for a time, as a relief from _business_; _business_ is ordinarily for profit, while the _occupation_ may be a matter of learning, philanthropy, or religion. A _profession_ implies scholarship; as, the learned _professions_. _Pursuit_ is an _occupation_ which one follows with ardor. An _avocation_ is what calls one away from other work; a _vocation_ or _calling_, that to which one is called by some special fitness or sense of duty; thus, we speak of the gospel ministry as a _vocation_ or _calling_, rather than a _business_. _Trade_ or _trading_ is, in general, the exchanging of one thing for another; in the special sense, a _trade_ is an _occupation_ involving manual training and skilled labor; as, the ancient Jews held that every boy should learn a _trade_. A _transaction_ is a single action, whether in _business_, diplomacy, or otherwise; _affair_ has a similar, but lighter meaning; as, this little _affair_; an important _transaction_. The plural _affairs_ has a distinctive meaning, including all activities where men deal with one another on any considerable scale; as, a man of _affairs_. A _job_ is a piece of work viewed as a single undertaking, and ordinarily paid for as such. _Trade_ and _commerce_ may be used as equivalents, but _trade_ is capable of a more limited application; we speak of the _trade_ of a village, the _commerce_ of a nation. _Barter_ is the direct exchange of commodities; _business_, _trade_, and _commerce_ are chiefly transacted by means of money, bills of exchange, etc. _Business_, _occupation_, etc., may be what one does independently; _employment_ may be in the service of another. _Work_ is any application of energy to secure a result, or the result thus secured; thus, we speak of the _work_ of God. _Art_ in the industrial sense is a system of rules and accepted methods for the accomplishment of some practical result; as, the _art_ of printing; collectively, the _arts_. A _craft_ is some occupation requiring technical skill or manual dexterity, or the persons, collectively, engaged in its exercise; as, the weaver's _craft_.

Prepositions:

The business _of_ a druggist; in business _with_ his father; doing business _for_ his father; have you business _with_ me? business _in_ New York; business _about_, _concerning_, or _in regard to_ certain property.

* * * * *

BUT.

Synonyms:

and, however, notwithstanding, that, barely, just, only, tho, besides, merely, provided, unless, except, moreover, save, yet. further, nevertheless, still,

_But_ ranges from the faintest contrast to absolute negation; as, I am willing to go, _but_ (on the other hand) content to stay; he is not an honest man, _but_ (on the contrary) a villain. The contrast may be with a silent thought; as, _but_ let us go (it being understood that we might stay longer). In restrictive use, _except_ and _excepting_ are slightly more emphatic than _but_; we say, no injury _but_ a scratch; or, no injury _except_ some painful bruises. Such expressions as "words are _but_ breath" (nothing _but_) may be referred to the restrictive use by ellipsis. So may the use of _but_ in the sense of _unless_; as, "it never rains _but_ it pours." To the same head must be referred the conditional use; as, "you may go, _but_ with your father's consent" (_i. e._, "_provided_ you have," "_except_ that you must have," etc.). "Doubt _but_" is now less used than the more logical "doubt _that_." _But_ never becomes a full synonym for _and_; _and_ adds something like, _but_ adds something different; "brave _and_ tender" implies that tenderness is natural to the brave; "brave _but_ tender" implies that bravery and tenderness are rarely combined. For the concessive use, compare NOTWITHSTANDING.

* * * * *

BY.

Synonyms:

by dint of, by means of, through, with.

_By_ refers to the agent; _through_, to the means, cause, or condition; _with_, to the instrument. _By_ commonly refers to persons; _with_, to things; _through_ may refer to either. The road having become impassable _through_ long disuse, a way was opened _by_ pioneers _with_ axes. _By_ may, however, be applied to any object which is viewed as partaking of action and agency; as, the metal was corroded _by_ the acid; skill is gained _by_ practise. We speak of communicating _with_ a person _by_ letter. _Through_ implies a more distant connection than _by_ or _with_, and more intervening elements. Material objects are perceived _by_ the mind _through_ the senses.

* * * * *

CABAL.

Synonyms:

combination, confederacy, crew, gang, conclave, conspiracy, faction, junto.

A _conspiracy_ is a _combination_ of persons for an evil purpose, or the act of so combining. _Conspiracy_ is a distinct crime under common, and generally under statutory, law. A _faction_ is more extensive than a _conspiracy_, less formal in organization, less definite in plan. _Faction_ and its adjective, _factious_, have always an unfavorable sense. _Cabal_ commonly denotes a _conspiracy_ of leaders. A _gang_ is a company of workmen all doing the same work under one leader; the word is used figuratively only of _combinations_ which it is meant to stigmatize as rude and mercenary; _crew_ is used in a closely similar sense. A _conclave_ is secret, but of larger numbers, ordinarily, than a _cabal_, and may have honorable use; as, the _conclave_ of cardinals.

* * * * *

CALCULATE.

Synonyms:

account, consider, enumerate, rate, cast, count, estimate, reckon, compute, deem, number, sum up.

_Number_ is the generic term. To _count_ is to _number_ one by one. To _calculate_ is to use more complicated processes, as multiplication, division, etc., more rapid but not less exact. _Compute_ allows more of the element of probability, which is still more strongly expressed by _estimate_. We _compute_ the slain in a great war from the number known to have fallen in certain great battles; _compute_ refers to the present or the past, _estimate_ more frequently to the future; as, to _estimate_ the cost of a proposed building. To _enumerate_ is to mention item by item; as, to _enumerate_ one's grievances. To _rate_ is to _estimate_ by comparison, as if the object were one of a series. We _count_ upon a desired future; we do not _count_ upon the undesired. As applied to the present, we _reckon_ or _count_ a thing precious or worthless. Compare ESTEEM.

Prepositions:

It is vain to calculate _on_ or _upon_ an uncertain result.

* * * * *

CALL, _v._

Synonyms:

bawl, cry (out), roar, shriek, bellow, ejaculate, scream, vociferate, clamor, exclaim, shout, yell.

To _call_ is to send out the voice in order to attract another's attention, either by word or by inarticulate utterance. Animals _call_ their mates, or their young; a man _calls_ his dog, his horse, etc. The sense is extended to include summons by bell, or any signal. To _shout_ is to _call_ or _exclaim_ with the fullest volume of sustained voice; to _scream_ is to utter a shriller cry; to _shriek_ or to _yell_ refers to that which is louder and wilder still. We _shout_ words; in _screaming_, _shrieking_, or _yelling_ there is often no attempt at articulation. To _bawl_ is to utter senseless, noisy cries, as of a child in pain or anger. _Bellow_ and _roar_ are applied to the utterances of animals, and only contemptuously to those of persons. To _clamor_ is to utter with noisy iteration; it applies also to the confused cries of a multitude. To _vociferate_ is commonly applied to loud and excited speech where there is little besides the exertion of voice. In _exclaiming_, the utterance may not be strikingly, tho somewhat, above the ordinary tone and pitch; we may _exclaim_ by mere interjections, or by connected words, but always by some articulate utterance. To _ejaculate_ is to throw out brief, disconnected, but coherent utterances of joy, regret, and especially of appeal, petition, prayer; the use of such devotional utterances has received the special name of "ejaculatory prayer." To _cry out_ is to give forth a louder and more excited utterance than in _exclaiming_ or _calling_; one often _exclaims_ with sudden joy as well as sorrow; if he _cries out_, it is oftener in grief or agony. In the most common colloquial usage, to _cry_ is to express grief or pain by weeping or sobbing. One may _exclaim_, _cry out_, or _ejaculate_ with no thought of others' presence; when he _calls_, it is to attract another's attention.

Antonyms:

be silent, be still, hark, hearken, hush, list, listen.

* * * * *

CALM.

Synonyms:

collected, imperturbable, sedate, still, composed, peaceful, self-possessed, tranquil, cool, placid, serene, undisturbed, dispassionate, quiet, smooth, unruffled.

That is _calm_ which is free from disturbance or agitation; in the physical sense, free from violent motion or action; in the mental or spiritual realm, free from excited or disturbing emotion or passion. We speak of a _calm_ sea, a _placid_ lake, a _serene_ sky, a _still_ night, a _quiet_ day, a _quiet_ home. We speak, also, of "_still_ waters," "_smooth_ sailing," which are different modes of expressing freedom from manifest agitation. Of mental conditions, one is _calm_ who triumphs over a tendency to excitement; _cool_, if he scarcely feels the tendency. One may be _calm_ by the very reaction from excitement, or by the oppression of overpowering emotion, as we speak of the calmness of despair. One is _composed_ who has subdued excited feeling; he is _collected_ when he has every thought, feeling, or perception awake and at command. _Tranquil_ refers to a present state, _placid_, to a prevailing tendency. We speak of a _tranquil_ mind, a _placid_ disposition. The _serene_ spirit dwells as if in the clear upper air, above all storm and shadow.

The star of the unconquered will,
He rises in my breast,
_Serene_, and resolute, and _still_,
And _calm_, and _self-possessed_.

LONGFELLOW _Light of Stars_ st. 7.

Antonyms:

agitated, excited, frenzied, passionate, ruffled, violent, boisterous, fierce, furious, raging, stormy, wild, disturbed, frantic, heated, roused, turbulent, wrathful.

* * * * *

CANCEL.

Synonyms:

abolish, discharge, nullify, rescind, abrogate, efface, obliterate, revoke, annul, erase, quash, rub off _or_ out, blot out, expunge, remove, scratch out, cross off _or_ out, make void, repeal, vacate.

_Cancel_, _efface_, _erase_, _expunge_, and _obliterate_ have as their first meaning the removal of written characters or other forms of record. To _cancel_ is, literally, to make a lattice by cross-lines, exactly our English _cross out_; to _efface_ is to _rub off_, smooth away the face, as of an inscription; to _erase_ is to _scratch out_, commonly for the purpose of writing something else in the same space; to _expunge_, is to punch out with some sharp instrument, so as to show that the words are no longer part of the writing; to _obliterate_ is to cover over or remove, as a letter, as was done by reversing the Roman stylus, and _rubbing out_ with the rounded end what had been written with the point on the waxen tablet. What has been _canceled_, _erased_, _expunged_, may perhaps still be traced; what is _obliterated_ is gone forever, as if it had never been. In many establishments, when a debt is _discharged_ by payment, the record is _canceled_. The figurative use of the words keeps close to the primary sense. Compare ABOLISH.

Antonyms:

approve, enact, establish, perpetuate, reenact, uphold, confirm, enforce, maintain, record, sustain, write.

* * * * *

CANDID.

Synonyms:

aboveboard, honest, open, truthful, artless, impartial, simple, unbiased, fair, ingenuous, sincere, unprejudiced, frank, innocent, straightforward, unreserved, guileless, naive, transparent, unsophisticated.

A _candid_ statement is meant to be true to the real facts and just to all parties; a _fair_ statement is really so. _Fair_ is applied to the conduct; _candid_ is not; as, _fair_ treatment, "a _fair_ field, and no favor." One who is _frank_ has a fearless and unconstrained truthfulness. _Honest_ and _ingenuous_ unite in expressing contempt for deceit. On the other hand, _artless_, _guileless_, _naive_, _simple_, and _unsophisticated_ express the goodness which comes from want of the knowledge or thought of evil. As truth is not always agreeable or timely, _candid_ and _frank_ have often an objectionable sense; "to be _candid_ with you," "to be perfectly _frank_," are regarded as sure preludes to something disagreeable. _Open_ and _unreserved_ may imply unstudied truthfulness or defiant recklessness; as, _open_ admiration, _open_ robbery. There may be _transparent_ integrity or _transparent_ fraud. _Sincere_ applies to the feelings, as being all that one's words would imply.

Antonyms:

adroit, cunning, diplomatic, intriguing, sharp, subtle, artful, deceitful, foxy, knowing, shrewd, tricky, crafty, designing, insincere, maneuvering, sly, wily.

Prepositions:

Candid _in_ debate; candid _to_ or _toward_ opponents; candid _with_ friend or foe; to be candid _about_ or _in regard to_ the matter.

* * * * *

CAPARISON.

Synonyms:

accouterments, harness, housings, trappings.

_Harness_ was formerly used of the armor of a knight as well as of a horse; it is now used almost exclusively of the straps and appurtenances worn by a horse when attached to a vehicle; the animal is said to be "kind in _harness_." The other words apply to the ornamental outfit of a horse, especially under saddle. We speak also of the _accouterments_ of a soldier. _Caparison_ is used rarely and somewhat slightingly, and _trappings_ quite contemptuously, for showy human apparel. Compare ARMS; DRESS.

* * * * *

CAPITAL.

Synonyms:

chief city, metropolis, seat of government.

The _metropolis_ is the chief city in the commercial, the _capital_ in the political sense. The _capital_ of an American State is rarely its _metropolis_.

* * * * *

CARE.

Synonyms:

anxiety, concern, oversight, trouble, attention, direction, perplexity, vigilance, caution, forethought, precaution, wariness, charge, heed, prudence, watchfulness, circumspection, management, solicitude, worry.

_Care_ concerns what we possess; _anxiety_, often, what we do not; riches bring many _cares_; poverty brings many _anxieties_. _Care_ also signifies watchful _attention_, in view of possible harm; as, "This side up with _care_;" "Take _care_ of yourself;" or, as a sharp warning, "Take _care_!" _Caution_ has a sense of possible harm and risk only to be escaped, if at all, by careful deliberation and observation. _Care_ inclines to the positive, _caution_ to the negative; _care_ is shown in doing, _caution_ largely in not doing. _Precaution_ is allied with _care_, _prudence_ with _caution_; a man rides a dangerous horse with _care_; _caution_ will keep him from mounting the horse; _precaution_ looks to the saddle-girths, bit and bridle, and all that may make the rider secure. _Circumspection_ is watchful observation and calculation, but without the timidity implied in _caution_. _Concern_ denotes a serious interest, milder than _anxiety_; as, _concern_ for the safety of a ship at sea. _Heed_ implies _attention_ without disquiet; it is now largely displaced by _attention_ and _care_. _Solicitude_ involves especially the element of desire, not expressed in _anxiety_, and of hopefulness, not implied in _care_. A parent feels constant _solicitude_ for his children's welfare, _anxiety_ as to dangers that threaten it, with _care_ to guard against them. _Watchfulness_ recognizes the possibility of danger, _wariness_ the probability. A man who is not influenced by _caution_ to keep out of danger may display great _wariness_ in the midst of it. _Care_ has also the sense of responsibility, with possible control, as expressed in _charge_, _management_, _oversight_; as, these children are under my _care_; send the money to me in _care_ of the firm. Compare ALARM; ANXIETY; PRUDENCE.

Antonyms:

carelessness, inattention, negligence, oversight, remissness, disregard, indifference, omission, recklessness, slight. heedlessness, neglect,

Prepositions:

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

* * * * *

CAREER.

Synonyms:

charge, flight, passage, race, course, line of achievement, public life, rush.

A _career_ was originally the ground for a race, or, especially, for a knight's _charge_ in tournament or battle; whence _career_ was early applied to the _charge_ itself.

If you will use the lance, take ground for your _career_.... The
four horsemen met in full _career_.

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

In its figurative use _career_ signifies some continuous and conspicuous work, usually a life-work, and most frequently one of honorable achievement. Compare BUSINESS.

* * * * *

CARESS.

Synonyms:

coddle, embrace, fondle, pamper, court, flatter, kiss, pet.

To _caress_ is less than to _embrace_; more dignified and less familiar than to _fondle_. A visitor _caresses_ a friend's child; a mother _fondles_ her babe. _Fondling_ is always by touch; _caressing_ may be also by words, or other tender and pleasing attentions.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for AFFRONT.

Prepositions:

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

* * * * *

CARICATURE.

Synonyms:

burlesque, extravaganza, mimicry, take-off, exaggeration, imitation, parody, travesty.

A _caricature_ is a grotesque _exaggeration_ of striking features or peculiarities, generally of a person; a _burlesque_ treats any subject in an absurd or incongruous manner. A _burlesque_ is written or acted; a _caricature_ is more commonly in sketch or picture. A _parody_ changes the subject, but keeps the style; a _travesty_ keeps the subject, but changes the style; a _burlesque_ does not hold itself to either subject or style; but is content with a general resemblance to what it may imitate. A _caricature_, _parody_, or _travesty_ must have an original; a _burlesque_ may be an independent composition. An account of a schoolboys' quarrel after the general manner of Homer's Iliad would be a _burlesque_; the real story of the Iliad told in newspaper style would be a _travesty_. An _extravaganza_ is a fantastic composition, musical, dramatic, or narrative. _Imitation_ is serious; _mimicry_ is either intentionally or unintentionally comical.

* * * * *

CARRY.

Synonyms:

bear, convey, move, sustain, transmit, bring, lift, remove, take, transport.

A person may _bear_ a load either when in motion or at rest; he _carries_ it only when in motion. The stooping Atlas _bears_ the world on his shoulders; swiftly moving Time _carries_ the hour-glass and scythe; a person may be said either to _bear_ or to _carry_ a scar, since it is upon him whether in motion or at rest. If an object is to be _moved_ from the place we occupy, we say _carry_; if to the place we occupy, we say _bring_. A messenger _carries_ a letter to a correspondent, and _brings_ an answer. _Take_ is often used in this sense in place of _carry_; as, _take_ that letter to the office. _Carry_ often signifies to _transport_ by personal strength, without reference to the direction; as, that is more than he can _carry_; yet, even so, it would not be admissible to say _carry_ it to me, or _carry_ it here; in such case we must say _bring_. To _lift_ is simply to raise from the ground, tho but for an instant, with no reference to holding or moving; one may be able to _lift_ what he could not _carry_. The figurative uses of _carry_ are very numerous; as, to _carry_ an election, _carry_ the country, _carry_ (in the sense of _capture_) a fort, _carry_ an audience, _carry_ a stock of goods, etc. Compare CONVEY; KEEP; SUPPORT.

Antonyms:

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

Prepositions:

To carry coals _to_ Newcastle; carry nothing _from_, or _out of_, this house; he carried these qualities _into_ all he did; carry _across_ the street, _over_ the bridge, _through_ the woods, _around_ or _round_ the corner; _beyond_ the river; the cable was carried _under_ the sea.

* * * * *

CATASTROPHE.

Synonyms:

calamity, denouement, mischance, mishap, cataclysm, disaster, misfortune, sequel.

A _cataclysm_ or _catastrophe_ is some great convulsion or momentous event that may or may not be a cause of misery to man. In _calamity_, or _disaster_, the thought of human suffering is always present. It has been held by many geologists that numerous _catastrophes_ or _cataclysms_ antedated the existence of man. In literature, the final event of a drama is the _catastrophe_, or _denouement_. _Misfortune_ ordinarily suggests less of suddenness and violence than _calamity_ or _disaster_, and is especially applied to that which is lingering or enduring in its effects. In history, the end of every great war or the fall of a nation is a _catastrophe_, tho it may not be a _calamity_. Yet such an event, if not a _calamity_ to the race, will always involve much individual _disaster_ and _misfortune_. Pestilence is a _calamity_; a defeat in battle, a shipwreck, or a failure in business is a _disaster_; sickness or loss of property is a _misfortune_; failure to meet a friend is a _mischance_; the breaking of a teacup is a _mishap_.

Antonyms:

benefit, boon, favor, pleasure, prosperity, blessing, comfort, help, privilege, success.

Preposition:

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

* * * * *

CATCH.

Synonyms:

apprehend, comprehend, grasp, overtake, snatch, capture, discover, grip, secure, take, clasp, ensnare, gripe, seize, take hold of. clutch, entrap, lay hold of (on, upon),

To _catch_ is to come up with or take possession of something departing, fugitive, or illusive. We _catch_ a runaway horse, a flying ball, a mouse in a trap. We _clutch_ with a swift, tenacious movement of the fingers; we _grasp_ with a firm but moderate closure of the whole hand; we _grip_ or _gripe_ with the strongest muscular closure of the whole hand possible to exert. We _clasp_ in the arms. We _snatch_ with a quick, sudden, and usually a surprising motion. In the figurative sense, _catch_ is used of any act that brings a person or thing into our power or possession; as, to _catch_ a criminal in the act; to _catch_ an idea, in the sense of _apprehend_ or _comprehend_. Compare ARREST.

Antonyms:

fail of, give up, lose, release, throw aside, fall short of, let go, miss, restore, throw away.

Prepositions:

To catch _at_ a straw; to catch a fugitive _by_ the collar; to catch a ball _with_ the left hand; he caught the disease _from_ the patient; the thief was caught _in_ the act; the bird _in_ the snare.

* * * * *

CAUSE.

Synonyms:

actor, causality, designer, occasion, precedent, agent, causation, former, origin, reason, antecedent, condition, fountain, originator, source, author, creator, motive, power, spring.

The efficient _cause_, that which makes anything to be or be done, is the common meaning of the word, as in the saying "There is no effect without a _cause_." Every man instinctively recognizes himself acting through will as the _cause_ of his own actions. The _Creator_ is the Great First _Cause_ of all things. A _condition_ is something that necessarily precedes a result, but does not produce it. An _antecedent_ simply precedes a result, with or without any agency in producing it; as, Monday is the invariable _antecedent_ of Tuesday, but not the _cause_ of it. The direct antonym of _cause_ is _effect_, while that of _antecedent_ is _consequent_. An _occasion_ is some event which brings a _cause_ into action at a particular moment; gravitation and heat are the _causes_ of an avalanche; the steep incline of the mountain-side is a necessary _condition_, and the shout of the traveler may be the _occasion_ of its fall. _Causality_ is the doctrine or principle of causes, _causation_ the action or working of causes. Compare DESIGN; REASON.

Antonyms:

consequence, development, end, fruit, outcome, product, creation, effect, event, issue, outgrowth, result.

Prepositions:

The cause _of_ the disaster; cause _for_ interference.

* * * * *

CEASE.

Synonyms:

abstain, desist, give over, quit, bring to an end, discontinue, intermit, refrain, come to an end, end, leave off, stop, conclude, finish, pause, terminate.

Strains of music may gradually or suddenly _cease_. A man _quits_ work on the instant; he may _discontinue_ a practise gradually; he _quits_ suddenly and completely; he _stops_ short in what he may or may not resume; he _pauses_ in what he will probably resume. What _intermits_ or is _intermitted_ returns again, as a fever that _intermits_. Compare ABANDON; DIE; END; REST.

Antonyms:

begin, inaugurate, originate, set going, set on foot, commence, initiate, set about, set in operation, start. enter upon, institute,

Preposition:

Cease _from_ anger.

* * * * *

CELEBRATE.

Synonyms:

commemorate, keep, observe, solemnize.

To _celebrate_ any event or occasion is to make some demonstration of respect or rejoicing because of or in memory of it, or to perform such public rites or ceremonies as it properly demands. We _celebrate_ the birth, _commemorate_ the death of one beloved or honored. We _celebrate_ a national anniversary with music and song, with firing of guns and ringing of bells; we _commemorate_ by any solemn and thoughtful service, or by a monument or other enduring memorial. We _keep_ the Sabbath, _solemnize_ a marriage, _observe_ an anniversary; we _celebrate_ or _observe_ the Lord's Supper in which believers _commemorate_ the sufferings and death of Christ.

Antonyms:

contemn, dishonor, forget, neglect, profane, despise, disregard, ignore, overlook, violate.

Prepositions:

We celebrate the day _with_ appropriate ceremonies; the victory was celebrated _by_ the people, _with_ rejoicing.

* * * * *

CENTER.

Synonyms:

middle, midst.

We speak of the _center_ of a circle, the _middle_ of a room, the _middle_ of the street, the _midst_ of a forest. The _center_ is equally distant from every point of the circumference of a circle, or from the opposite boundaries on each axis of a parallelogram, etc.; the _middle_ is more general and less definite. The _center_ is a point; the _middle_ may be a line or a space. We say _at_ the _center_; _in_ the _middle_. _Midst_ commonly implies a group or multitude of surrounding objects. Compare synonyms for AMID.

Antonyms:

bound, boundary, circumference, perimeter, rim.

* * * * *

CHAGRIN.

Synonyms:

confusion, discomposure, humiliation, shame, disappointment, dismay, mortification, vexation.

_Chagrin_ unites _disappointment_ with some degree of _humiliation_. A rainy day may bring _disappointment_; needless failure in some enterprise brings _chagrin_. _Shame_ involves the consciousness of fault, guilt, or impropriety; _chagrin_ of failure of judgment, or harm to reputation. A consciousness that one has displayed his own ignorance will cause him _mortification_, however worthy his intent; if there was a design to deceive, the exposure will cover him with _shame_.

Antonyms:

delight, exultation, glory, rejoicing, triumph.

Prepositions:

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

* * * * *

CHANGE, _v._

Synonyms:

alter, exchange, shift, transmute, commute, metamorphose, substitute, turn, convert, modify, transfigure, vary, diversify, qualify, transform, veer.

To _change_ is distinctively to make a thing other than it has been, in some respect at least; to _exchange_ to put or take something else in its place; to _alter_ is ordinarily to _change_ partially, to make different in one or more particulars. To _exchange_ is often to transfer ownership; as, to _exchange_ city for country property. _Change_ is often used in the sense of _exchange_; as, to _change_ horses. To _transmute_ is to _change_ the qualities while the substance remains the same; as, to _transmute_ the baser metals into gold. To _transform_ is to _change_ form or appearance, with or without deeper and more essential change; it is less absolute than _transmute_, tho sometimes used for that word, and is often used in a spiritual sense as _transmute_ could not be; "Be ye _transformed_ by the renewing of your mind," _Rom._ xii, 2. _Transfigure_ is, as in its Scriptural use, to change in an exalted and glorious spiritual way; "Jesus ... was _transfigured_ before them, and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light," _Matt._ xvii, 1, 2. To _metamorphose_ is to make some remarkable change, ordinarily in external qualities, but often in structure, use, or chemical constitution, as of a caterpillar into a butterfly, of the stamens of a plant into petals, or of the crystalline structure of rocks, hence called "metamorphic rocks," as when a limestone is _metamorphosed_ into a marble. To _vary_ is to _change_ from time to time, often capriciously. To _commute_ is to put something easier, lighter, milder, or in some way more favorable in place of that which is _commuted_; as, to _commute_ capital punishment to imprisonment for life; to _commute_ daily fares on a railway to a monthly payment. To _convert_ (L. _con_, with, and _verto_, turn) is to primarily _turn_ about, and signifies to _change_ in form, character, use, etc., through a wide range of relations; iron is _converted_ into steel, joy into grief, a sinner into a saint. To _turn_ is a popular word for _change_ in any sense short of the meaning of _exchange_, being often equivalent to _alter_, _convert_, _transform_, _transmute_, etc. We _modify_ or _qualify_ a statement which might seem too strong; we _modify_ it by some limitation, _qualify_ it by some addition.

Antonyms:

abide, continue, hold, persist, retain, bide, endure, keep, remain, stay.

Prepositions:

To change a home toilet _for_ a street dress; to change _from_ a caterpillar _to_ or _into_ a butterfly; to change clothes _with_ a beggar.

* * * * *

CHANGE, _n._

Synonyms:

alteration, mutation, renewing, transmutation, conversion, novelty, revolution, variation, diversity, regeneration, transformation, variety, innovation, renewal, transition, vicissitude.

A _change_ is a passing from one state or form to another, any act or process by which a thing becomes unlike what it was before, or the unlikeness so produced; we say a _change_ was taking place, or the _change_ that had taken place was manifest. _Mutation_ is a more formal word for _change_, often suggesting repeated or continual _change_; as, the _mutations_ of fortune. _Novelty_ is a _change_ to what is new, or the newness of that to which a change is made; as, he was perpetually desirous of _novelty_. _Revolution_ is specifically and most commonly a _change_ of government. _Variation_ is a partial _change_ in form, qualities, etc., but especially in position or action; as, the _variation_ of the magnetic needle or of the pulse. _Variety_ is a succession of _changes_ or an intermixture of different things, and is always thought of as agreeable. _Vicissitude_ is sharp, sudden, or violent _change_, always thought of as surprising and often as disturbing or distressing; as, the _vicissitudes_ of politics. _Transition_ is _change_ by passing from one place or state to another, especially in a natural, regular, or orderly way; as, the _transition_ from spring to summer, or from youth to manhood. An _innovation_ is a _change_ that breaks in upon an established order or custom; as, an _innovation_ in religion or politics. For the distinctions between the other words compare the synonyms for CHANGE, _v._ In the religious sense _regeneration_ is the vital _renewing_ of the soul by the power of the divine Spirit; _conversion_ is the conscious and manifest _change_ from evil to good, or from a lower to a higher spiritual state; as, in _Luke_ xxii, 32, "when thou art _converted_, strengthen thy brethren." In popular use _conversion_ is the most common word to express the idea of _regeneration_.

Antonyms:

constancy, fixedness, invariability, steadiness, continuance, fixity, permanence, unchangeableness, firmness, identity, persistence, uniformity.

Prepositions:

We have made a change _for_ the better; the change _from_ winter to spring; the change _of_ a liquid _to_ or _into_ a gas; a change _in_ quality; a change _by_ absorption or oxidation.

* * * * *

CHARACTER.

Synonyms:

constitution, genius, personality, reputation, temper, disposition, nature, record, spirit, temperament.

_Character_ is what one is; _reputation_, what he is thought to be; his _record_ is the total of his known action or inaction. As a rule, a man's _record_ will substantially express his _character_; his _reputation_ may be higher or lower than his _character_ or _record_ will justify. _Repute_ is a somewhat formal word, with the same general sense as _reputation_. One's _nature_ includes all his original endowments or propensities; _character_ includes both natural and acquired traits. We speak of one's physical _constitution_ as strong or weak, etc., and figuratively, always with the adjective, of his mental or moral _constitution_. Compare CHARACTERISTIC.

Prepositions:

The witness has a character _for_ veracity; his character is _above_ suspicion; the character _of_ the applicant.

* * * * *

CHARACTERISTIC.

Synonyms:

attribute, feature, peculiarity, sign, trace, character, indication, property, singularity, trait. distinction, mark, quality,