Chapter IX: Part I: Synonyms, Antonyms and Prepositions (7)

The old meaning of _enthusiasm_ implies a pseudo-_inspiration_, an almost frantic _extravagance_ in behalf of something supposed to be an expression of the divine will. This sense remains as the controlling one in the kindred noun _enthusiast_. _Enthusiasm_ has now chiefly the meaning of an earnest and commendable _devotion_, an intense and eager interest. Against the hindrances of the world, nothing great and good can be carried without a certain _fervor_, _intensity_, and _vehemence_; these joined with faith, courage, and hopefulness make _enthusiasm_. _Zeal_ is burning _earnestness_, always tending to vigorous action with all the _devotion_ of _enthusiasm_, tho often without its hopefulness. Compare EAGER.

Antonyms:

calculation, caution, deadness, indifference, policy, timidity, calmness, coldness, dulness, lukewarmness, prudence, wariness.

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ENTRANCE.

Synonyms:

access, approach, gate, introduction, accession, door, gateway, opening, adit, doorway, ingress, penetration, admission, entrée, inlet, portal. admittance, entry,

_Entrance_, the act of entering, refers merely to the fact of passing from without to within some enclosure; _admission_ and _admittance_ refer to entering by or with some one's consent, or at least to opportunity afforded by some one's act or neglect. We may effect or force an _entrance_, but not _admittance_ or _admission_; those we gain, procure, obtain, secure, win. _Admittance_ refers to place, _admission_ refers also to position, privilege, favor, friendship, etc. An intruder may gain _admittance_ to the hall of a society who would not be allowed _admission_ to its membership. _Approach_ is a movement toward another; _access_ is coming all the way to his presence, recognition, and consideration. An unworthy favorite may prevent even those who gain _admittance_ to a king's audience from obtaining any real _access_ to the king. _Entrance_ is also used figuratively for setting out upon some career, or becoming a member of some organization; as, we speak of one's _entrance_ upon college life, or of _entrance_ into the ministry.

Antonyms:

departure, ejection, exit, refusal, withdrawal. egress, exclusion, expulsion, rejection,

Prepositions:

Entrance _into_ a place; _on_ or _upon_ a work or course of action; _into_ or _upon_ office; _into_ battle; _by_ or _through_ the door; _within_ the gates; _into_ or _among_ the company.

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ENVIOUS.

Synonyms:

jealous, suspicious.

One is _envious_ who cherishes selfish ill will toward another because of his superior success, endowments, possessions, or the like. A person is _envious_ of that which is another's, and to which he himself has no right or claim; he is _jealous_ of intrusion upon that which is his own, or to which he maintains a right or claim. An _envious_ spirit is always bad; a _jealous_ spirit may be good or bad, according to its object and tendency. A free people must be _jealous_ of their liberties if they would retain them. One is _suspicious_ of another from unfavorable indications or from a knowledge of wrong in his previous conduct, or even without reason. Compare DOUBT.

Antonyms:

contented, friendly, kindly, satisfied, trustful, well-disposed.

Prepositions:

Envious _of_ (formerly _at_ or _against_) a person; envious _of_ his wealth or power; envious _of_ him _for_, _because of_, _on account of_ his wealth or power.

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EQUIVOCAL.

Synonyms:

ambiguous, enigmatical, indistinct, questionable, doubtful, indefinite, obscure, suspicious, dubious, indeterminate, perplexing, uncertain. enigmatic,

_Equivocal_ (L. _equus_, equal, and _vox_, voice, word) denotes that which may equally well be understood in either of two or more ways. _Ambiguous_ (L. _ambi_, around, and _ago_, drive, lead) signifies lacking in distinctness or certainty, obscure or doubtful through indefiniteness of expression. _Ambiguous_ is applied only to spoken or written statements; _equivocal_ has other applications. A statement is _ambiguous_ when it leaves the mind of the reader or hearer to fluctuate between two meanings, which would fit the language equally well; it is _equivocal_ when it would naturally be understood in one way, but is capable of a different interpretation; an _equivocal_ expression is, as a rule, intentionally deceptive, while an _ambiguous_ utterance may be simply the result of a want either of clear thought or of adequate expression. That which is _enigmatical_ must be guessed like a riddle; a statement may be purposely made _enigmatical_ in order to provoke thought and study. That is _doubtful_ which is fairly open to doubt; that is _dubious_ which has become the subject of doubts so grave as scarcely to fall short of condemnation; as, a _dubious_ reputation. _Questionable_ may be used nearly in the sense either of _dubious_ or of _doubtful_; a _questionable_ statement is one that must be proved before it can be accepted. To say that one's honesty is _questionable_ is a mild way of saying that in the opinion of the speaker he is likely to prove dishonest. _Equivocal_ is sometimes, tho more rarely, used in this sense. A _suspicious_ character gives manifest reason to be suspected; a _suspicious_ temper is inclined to suspect the motives and intentions of others, with or without reason. Compare CLEAR.

Antonyms:

certain, evident, lucid, perspicuous, unequivocal, clear, indisputable, manifest, plain, unquestionable, distinct, indubitable, obvious, unambiguous, unquestioned.

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ESTEEM, _v._

Synonyms:

appreciate, consider, estimate, prize, think, calculate, deem, hold, regard, value.

_Esteem_ and _estimate_ alike imply to set a certain mental value upon, but _esteem_ is less precise and mercantile than _calculate_ or _estimate_. We _esteem_ a jewel precious; we _estimate_ it to be worth so much money. This sense of _esteem_ is now chiefly found in literary or oratorical style, and in certain conventional phrases; as, I _esteem_ it an honor, a favor. In popular usage _esteem_, as said of persons, denotes a union of respect and kindly feeling and, in the highest sense, of moral approbation; as, one whom I highly _esteem_; the word may be used in a similar sense of material things or abstractions; as, one whose friendship I _esteem_; a shell greatly _esteemed_ for inlaid work. To _appreciate_ anything is to be deeply or keenly sensible of or sensitive to its qualities or influence, to see its full import, be alive to its value, importance, or worth; as, to _appreciate_ beauty or harmony; to _appreciate_ one's services in a cause; the word is similarly, tho rarely, used of persons. To _prize_ is to set a high value on for something more than merely commercial reasons. One may _value_ some object, as a picture, beyond all price, as a family heirloom, or may _prize_ it as the gift of an _esteemed_ friend, without at all _appreciating_ its artistic merit or commercial value. To _regard_ (F. _regarder_, look at, observe) is to have a certain mental view favorable or unfavorable; as, I _regard_ him as a friend; or, I _regard_ him as a villain; _regard_ has a distinctively favorable sense as applied to institutions, proprieties, duties, etc., but does not share the use of the noun _regard_ as applied to persons; we _regard_ the Sabbath; we _regard_ a person's feelings; we have a _regard_ for the person. Compare ESTEEM, _n._

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ESTEEM, _n._

Synonyms:

estimate, estimation, favor, regard, respect.

_Esteem_ for a person is a favorable opinion on the basis of worth, especially of moral worth, joined with a feeling of interest in and attraction toward the person. _Regard_ for a person is the mental view or feeling that springs from a sense of his value, excellence, or superiority, with a cordial and hearty friendliness. _Regard_ is more personal and less distant than _esteem_, and adds a special kindliness; _respect_ is a more distant word than _esteem_. _Respect_ may be wholly on one side, while _regard_ is more often mutual; _respect_ in the fullest sense is given to what is lofty, worthy, and honorable, or to a person of such qualities; we may pay an external _respect_ to one of lofty station, regardless of personal qualities, showing _respect_ for the office. _Estimate_ has more of calculation; as, my _estimate_ of the man, or of his abilities, is very high. _Estimation_ involves the idea of calculation or appraisal with that of _esteem_ or _regard_, and is especially used of the feeling entertained by numbers of people; as, he stood high in public _estimation_. Compare ESTEEM, _v._; FRIENDSHIP; LOVE.

Antonyms:

abhorrence, aversion, dislike, loathing, antipathy, contempt, hatred, repugnance.

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ETERNAL.

Synonyms:

deathless, fadeless, never-failing, undying, endless, immortal, perennial, unending, eonian, imperishable, perpetual, unfading, everlasting, interminable, timeless, unfailing, ever-living, never-ending, unceasing, without end.

_Eternal_ strictly signifies without beginning or end, in which sense it applies to God alone; _everlasting_ applies to that which may or may not have beginning, but will never cease; _eternal_ is also used in this more limited sense; _endless_, without end, in its utmost reach, is not distinguishable from _everlasting_; but _endless_ is constantly used in inferior senses, especially in mechanics, as in the phrases an _endless_ screw, an _endless_ chain. _Everlasting_ and _endless_ are both used in a limited sense of protracted, indefinite, but not infinite duration; as, the _everlasting_ hills; _endless_ debates; so we speak of _interminable_ quarrels. _Eternal_ holds quite strictly to the vast and sacred meaning in which it is applied to the Divine Being and the future state. _Everlasting_, _endless_, and _eternal_ may be applied to that which has no life; as, _everlasting_ chains, _endless_ night, _eternal_ death; _immortal_ applies to that which now has life, and is forever exempt from death. _Timeless_ carries, perhaps, the fullest idea of _eternal_, as above and beyond time, and not to be measured by it.

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EVENT.

Synonyms:

case, contingency, fortune, outcome, chance, end, incident, possibility, circumstance, episode, issue, result, consequence, fact, occurrence, sequel.

Etymologically, the _incident_ is that which falls in, the _event_ that which comes out; _event_ is thus greater and more signal than _incident_; we speak of trifling _incidents_, great _events_; _incidents_ of daily life, _events_ of history. _Circumstance_ agrees with _incident_ in denoting a matter of relatively slight importance, but implies a more direct connection with the principal matter; "circumstantial evidence" is evidence from seemingly minor matters directly connected with a case; "incidental evidence" would be some evidence that happened unexpectedly to touch it. An _occurrence_ is, etymologically, that which we run against, without thought of its origin, connection or tendency. An _episode_ is connected with the main course of _events_, like an _incident_ or _circumstance_, but is of more independent interest and importance. _Outcome_ is the Saxon, and _event_ the Latin for expressing the same original idea. _Consequence_ or _result_ would express more of logical connection, and be more comprehensive. The _end_ may be simple cessation; the _event_ is what has been accomplished; the _event_ of a war is victory or defeat; the _end_ of the war is reached when a treaty of peace is signed. Since the future is contingent, _event_ comes to have the meaning of a _contingency_; as, in the _event_ of his death, the policy will at once fall due. Compare CIRCUMSTANCE; CONSEQUENCE; END.

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EVERY.

Synonyms:

all, any, both, each, either.

_All_ and _both_ are collective; _any_, _each_, and _every_ are distributive. _Any_ makes no selection and may not reach to the full limits of _all_; _each_ and _every_ make no exception or omission, and must extend to _all_; _all_ sweeps in the units as part of a total, _each_ and _every_ proceed through the units to the total. A promise made to _all_ omits none; a promise made to _any_ may not reach _all_; a promise made to _every_ one is so made that no individual shall fail to be aware of it; a promise made to _each_ is made to the individuals personally, one by one. _Each_ is thus more individual and specific than _every_; _every_ classifies, _each_ individualizes. _Each_ divides, _both_ unites; if a certain sum is given to _each_ of two persons, _both_ (together) must receive twice the amount; _both_ must be aware of what has been separately communicated to _each_; a man may fire _both_ barrels of a gun by a single movement; if he fires _each_ barrel, he discharges them separately. _Either_ properly denotes one of two, indefinitely, to the exclusion of the other. The use of _either_ in the sense of _each_ or _both_, tho sustained by good authority, is objectionable because ambiguous. His friends sat on _either_ side of the room would naturally mean on one side or the other; if the meaning is on _both_ sides, it would be better to say so.

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EVIDENT.

Synonyms:

apparent, glaring, overt, tangible, clear, indubitable, palpable, transparent, conspicuous, manifest, patent, unmistakable, discernible, obvious, perceptible, visible. distinct, open, plain,

That is _apparent_ which clearly appears to the senses or to the mind as soon as the attention is directed toward it; that is _evident_ of which the mind is made sure by some inference that supplements the facts of perception; the marks of a struggle were _apparent_ in broken shrubbery and trampled ground, and the finding of a mutilated body and a rifled purse made it _evident_ that robbery and murder had been committed. That is _manifest_ which we can lay the hand upon; _manifest_ is thus stronger than _evident_, as touch is more absolute than sight; that the picture was a modern copy of an ancient work was _evident_, and on comparison with the original its inferiority was _manifest_. That is _obvious_ which is directly in the way so that it can not be missed; as, the application of the remark was _obvious_. _Visible_ applies to all that can be perceived by the sense of sight, whether the noonday sun, a ship on the horizon, or a microscopic object. _Discernible_ applies to that which is dimly or faintly _visible_, requiring strain and effort in order to be seen; as, the ship was _discernible_ through the mist. That is _conspicuous_ which stands out so as necessarily or strikingly to attract the attention. _Palpable_ and _tangible_ express more emphatically the thought of _manifest_.

Antonyms:

concealed, impalpable, latent, secret, unknown, covert, impenetrable, obscure, undiscovered, unseen, dark, imperceptible, occult, unimagined, unthought-of. hidden, invisible,

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EXAMPLE.

Synonyms:

archetype, ideal, prototype, type, ensample, model, sample, warning. exemplar, pattern, specimen, exemplification, precedent, standard,

From its original sense of _sample_ or _specimen_ (L. _exemplum_) _example_ derives the seemingly contradictory meanings, on the one hand of a _pattern_ or _model_, and on the other hand of a _warning_--a _sample_ or _specimen_ of what is to be followed, or of what is to be shunned. An _example_, however, may be more than a _sample_ or _specimen_ of any class; it may be the very _archetype_ or _prototype_ to which the whole class must conform, as when Christ is spoken of as being an _example_ or leaving an _example_ for his disciples. _Example_ comes nearer to the possible freedom of the _model_ than to the necessary exactness of the _pattern_; often we can not, in a given case, exactly imitate the best _example_, but only adapt its teachings to altered circumstances. In its application to a person or thing, _exemplar_ can scarcely be distinguished from _example_; but _example_ is most frequently used for an act, or course of action, for which _exemplar_ is not used; as, one sets a good (or a bad) _example_. An _exemplification_ is an illustrative working out in action of a principle or law, without any reference to its being copied or repeated; an _example_ guides, an _exemplification_ illustrates or explains. _Ensample_ is the same as _example_, but is practically obsolete outside of Scriptural or theological language. Compare MODEL; SAMPLE.

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EXCESS.

Synonyms:

dissipation, lavishness, redundance, surplus, exorbitance, overplus, redundancy, waste, extravagance, prodigality, superabundance, wastefulness. intemperance, profusion, superfluity,

_Excess_ is more than enough of anything, and, since this in very many cases indicates a lack either of judgment or of self-control, the word is used frequently in an unfavorable sense. Careless expenditure in _excess_ of income is _extravagance_; we may have also _extravagance_ of language, professions, etc. As _extravagance_ is _excess_ in outlay, _exorbitance_ is _excess_ in demands, and especially in pecuniary demands upon others. _Overplus_ and _superabundance_ denote in the main a satisfactory, and _superfluity_ an undesirable, _excess_; _lavishness_ and _profusion_, a generous, bountiful, or amiable _excess_; as, a _profusion_ of fair hair; _lavishness_ of hospitality. _Surplus_ is neutral, having none of the unfavorable meaning that often attaches to _excess_; a _surplus_ is that which remains over after all demands are met. _Redundance_ or _redundancy_ refers chiefly to literary style, denoting an _excess_ of words or matter. _Excess_ in the moral sense is expressed by _dissipation_, _prodigality_, _intemperance_, etc.

Antonyms:

dearth, destitution, frugality, lack, scantiness, defect, economy, inadequacy, need, shortcoming, deficiency, failure, insufficiency, poverty, want.

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EXECUTE.

Synonyms:

administer, carry out, do, enforce, perform.

To _execute_ is to follow through to the end, put into absolute and final effect in action; to _administer_ is to conduct as one holding a trust, as a minister and not an originator; the sheriff _executes_ a writ; the trustee _administers_ an estate, a charity, etc.; to _enforce_ is to put into effect by force, actual or potential. To _administer_ the laws is the province of a court of justice; to _execute_ the laws is the province of a sheriff, marshal, constable, or other executive officer; to _administer_ the law is to declare or apply it; to _execute_ the law is to put it in force; for this _enforce_ is the more general word, _execute_ the more specific. From signifying to superintend officially some application or infliction, _administer_ passes by a natural transition to signify _inflict_, _mete out_, _dispense_, and blows, medicine, etc., are said to be _administered_: a usage thoroughly established and reputable in spite of pedantic objections. _Enforce_ signifies also to present and urge home by intellectual and moral force; as, to _enforce_ a precept or a duty. Compare DO; KILL; MAKE.

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EXERCISE.

Synonyms:

act, application, exertion, performance, action, drill, occupation, practise, activity, employment, operation, use.

_Exercise_, in the ordinary sense, is the easy natural action of any power; _exertion_ is the putting of any power to strain and tax. An _exercise_-drive for a horse is so much as will develop strength and health and not appreciably weary. But by qualifying adjectives we may bring _exercise_ up to the full sense of _exertion_; as, violent _exercise_. _Exercise_ is action taken at any time with a view to employing, maintaining, or increasing power, or merely for enjoyment; _practise_ is systematic _exercise_ with a view to the acquirement of facility and skill in some pursuit; a person takes a walk for _exercise_, or takes time for _practise_ on the piano. _Practise_ is also used of putting into action and effect what one has learned or holds as a theory; as, the _practise_ of law or medicine; a profession of religion is good, but the _practise_ of it is better. _Drill_ is systematic, rigorous, and commonly enforced _practise_ under a teacher or commander. Compare HABIT.

Antonyms:

idleness, inaction, inactivity, relaxation, rest.

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EXPENSE.

Synonyms:

cost, expenditure, outgo, outlay.

The _cost_ of a thing is whatever one surrenders or gives up for it, intentionally or unintentionally, or even unconsciously; _expense_ is what is laid out by calculation or intention. We say, "he won his fame at the _cost_ of his life;" "I know it to my _cost_;" we speak of a joke at another's _expense_; at another's _cost_ would seem to make it a more serious matter. There is a tendency to use _cost_ of what we pay for a possession, _expense_ of what we pay for a service; we speak of the _cost_ of goods, the _expense_ of making up. _Outlay_ is used of some definite _expenditure_, as for the purchase of supplies; _outgo_ of a steady drain or of incidental _expenses_. See PRICE.

Antonyms:

gain, proceeds, profit, receipt, return, income, product, profits, receipts, returns.

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EXPLICIT.

Synonym:

express.

Both _explicit_ and _express_ are opposed to what is merely implicit or implied. That which is _explicit_ is unfolded, so that it may not be obscure, doubtful, or ambiguous; that which is _express_ is uttered or stated so decidedly that it may not be forgotten nor overlooked. An _explicit_ statement is too clear to be misunderstood; an _express_ command is too emphatic to be disregarded. Compare CLEAR.

Antonyms:

ambiguous, implicit, indefinite, uncertain, doubtful, implied, indeterminate, vague.

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EXTEMPORANEOUS.

Synonyms:

extemporary, impromptu, offhand, extempore, improvised, unpremeditated.

_Extemporaneous_, originally signifying _of_ or _from the time_ or _occasion_, has come to mean done or made with but little (if any) preparation, and is now chiefly applied to addresses of which the thought has been prepared, and only the language and incidental treatment left to the suggestion of the moment, so that an _extemporaneous_ speech is understood to be any one that is not read or recited; _impromptu_ keeps its original sense, denoting something that springs from the instant; the _impromptu_ utterance is generally brief, direct, and vigorous; the _extemporaneous_ speech may chance to be prosy. _Offhand_ is still more emphatic as to the readiness and freedom of the utterance. _Unpremeditated_ is graver and more formal, denoting absolute want of preparation, but is rather too heavy a word to be applied to such apt, ready utterance as is generally designated by _impromptu_.

Antonyms:

elaborated, premeditated, prepared, read, recited, studied, written.

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EXTERMINATE.

Synonyms:

annihilate, eradicate, overthrow, uproot, banish, expel, remove, wipe out. destroy, extirpate, root out,

_Exterminate_ (L. _ex_, out, and _terminus_, a boundary) signified primarily to drive beyond the bounds or limits of a country; the word is applied to races of men or animals, and is now almost exclusively used for removal by death; individuals are now said to be _banished_ or _expelled_. _Eradicate_ (L. _e_, out, and _radix_, root) is primarily applied to numbers or groups of plants which it is desired to remove effectually from the soil; a single tree may be _uprooted_, but is not said to be _eradicated_; we labor to _eradicate_ or _root out_ noxious weeds. To _extirpate_ (L. _ex_, out, and _stirps_, stem, stock) is not only to _destroy_ the individuals of any race of plants or animals, but the very stock, so that the race can never be restored; we speak of _eradicating_ a disease, of _extirpating_ a cancer, _exterminating_ wild beasts or hostile tribes; we seek to _eradicate_ or _extirpate_ all vices and evils. Compare ABOLISH.

Antonyms:

augment, build up, develop, increase, populate, replenish, beget, cherish, foster, plant, propagate, settle. breed, colonize,

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FAINT.

Synonyms:

dim, fatigued, irresolute, weak, exhausted, feeble, languid, wearied, faded, half-hearted, listless, worn, faint-hearted, ill-defined, purposeless, worn down, faltering, indistinct, timid, worn out.

_Faint_, with the general sense of lacking strength or effectiveness, covers a wide range of meaning, signifying overcome with physical weakness or exhaustion, or lacking in purpose, courage, or energy, as said of persons; or lacking definiteness or distinctness of color or sound, as said of written characters, voices, or musical notes. A person may be _faint_ when physically _wearied_, or when overcome with fear; he may be a _faint_ adherent because naturally _feeble_ or _purposeless_, or because _half-hearted_ in the cause; he may be a _faltering_ supporter because naturally _irresolute_ or because _faint-hearted_ and _timid_ in view of perils that threaten, a _listless_ worker, through want of mental energy and purpose. Written characters may be _faint_ or _dim_, either because originally written with poor ink, or because they have become _faded_ by time and exposure.

Antonyms:

bright, clear, daring, fresh, resolute, sturdy, brilliant, conspicuous, energetic, hearty, strong, vigorous.

Prepositions:

Faint _with_ hunger; faint _in_ color.

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FAITH.

Synonyms:

assent, confidence, credit, opinion, assurance, conviction, creed, reliance, belief, credence, doctrine, trust.

_Belief_, as an intellectual process, is the acceptance of some thing as true on other grounds than personal observation and experience. We give _credence_ to a report, _assent_ to a proposition or to a proposal. _Belief_ is stronger than _credence_; _credence_ might be described as a prima facie _belief_; _credence_ is a more formal word than _belief_, and seems to imply somewhat more of volition; we speak of giving _credence_ to a report, but not of giving _belief_. Goods are sold on _credit_; we give one _credit_ for good intentions. _Conviction_ is a _belief_ established by argument or evidence; _assurance_ is _belief_ beyond the reach of argument; as, the Christian's _assurance_ of salvation. An _opinion_ is a general conclusion held as probable, tho without full certainty; a _persuasion_ is a more confident _opinion_, involving the heart as well as the intellect. In religion, a _doctrine_ is a statement of _belief_ regarding a single point; a _creed_ is a summary statement of _doctrines_. _Confidence_ is a firm dependence upon a statement as true, or upon a person as worthy. _Reliance_ is _confidence_ on which we act or are ready to act unquestioningly; we have a calm _reliance_ upon the uniformity of nature. _Trust_ is a practical and tranquil resting of the mind upon the integrity, kindness, friendship, or promises of a person; we have _trust_ in God. _Faith_ is a union of _belief_ and _trust_. _Faith_ is chiefly personal; _belief_ may be quite impersonal; we speak of _belief_ of a proposition, _faith_ in a promise, because the promise emanates from a person. But _belief_ in a person is often used with no appreciable difference from _faith_. In religion it is common to distinguish between intellectual _belief_ of religious truth, as any other truth might be believed, and _belief_ of the heart, or saving _faith_.

Antonyms:

denial, dissent, doubt, infidelity, rejection, suspicion, disbelief, distrust, incredulity, misgiving, skepticism, unbelief.

Prepositions:

Have faith _in_ God; the faith _of_ the gospel.

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FAITHFUL.

Synonyms:

devoted, incorruptible, stanch, true, trusty, firm, loyal, sure, trustworthy, unwavering.

A person is _faithful_ who will keep faith, whether with or without power to aid or serve; a person or thing is _trusty_ that possesses such qualities as to justify the fullest confidence and dependence. We may speak of a _faithful_ but feeble friend; we say a _trusty_ agent, a _trusty_ steed, a _trusty_ sword.

Antonyms:

capricious, false, unfaithful, untrustworthy, faithless, fickle, untrue, wavering.

Prepositions:

Faithful _in_ service; _to_ duty; _to_ comrade or commander; faithful _among_ the faithless.

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FAME.

Synonyms:

celebrity, eminence, honor, notoriety, reputation, credit, glory, laurels, renown, repute. distinction,

_Fame_ is the widely disseminated report of a person's character, deeds, or abilities, and is oftenest used in the favorable sense. _Reputation_ and _repute_ are more limited than _fame_, and may be either good or bad. _Notoriety_ is evil _repute_ or a dishonorable counterfeit of _fame_. _Eminence_ and _distinction_ may result from rank, station, or character. _Celebrity_ is limited in range; we speak of local _celebrity_, or world-wide _fame_. _Fame_ in its best sense may be defined as the applause of numbers; _renown_, as such applause worthily won; we speak of the conqueror's _fame_, the patriot's _renown_. _Glory_ and _honor_ are of good import; _honor_ may be given for qualities or acts that should not win it, but it is always given as something good and worthy; we can speak of an evil _fame_, but not of evil _honor_; _glory_ has a more exalted and often a sacred sense.

Antonyms:

contempt, discredit, dishonor, humiliation, infamy, obscurity, contumely, disgrace, disrepute, ignominy, oblivion, shame.

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FANATICISM.

Synonyms:

bigotry, credulity, intolerance, superstition.

_Fanaticism_ is extravagant or even frenzied zeal; _bigotry_ is obstinate and unreasoning attachment to a cause or creed; _fanaticism_ and _bigotry_ usually include _intolerance_, which is unwillingness to tolerate beliefs or opinions contrary to one's own; _superstition_ is ignorant and irrational religious belief. _Credulity_ is not distinctively religious, but is a general readiness to believe without sufficient evidence, with a proneness to accept the marvellous. _Bigotry_ is narrow, _fanaticism_ is fierce, _superstition_ is ignorant, _credulity_ is weak, _intolerance_ is severe. _Bigotry_ has not the capacity to reason fairly, _fanaticism_ has not the patience, _superstition_ has not the knowledge and mental discipline, _intolerance_ has not the disposition. _Bigotry_, _fanaticism_, and _superstition_ are perversions of the religious sentiment; _credulity_ and _intolerance_ often accompany skepticism or atheism.

Antonyms:

cynicism, free-thinking, indifference, latitudinarianism.

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FANCIFUL.

Synonyms:

chimerical, fantastic, grotesque, imaginative, visionary.

That is _fanciful_ which is dictated or suggested by fancy independently of more serious considerations; the _fantastic_ is the _fanciful_ with the added elements of whimsicalness and extravagance. The _fanciful_ swings away from the real or the ordinary lightly and pleasantly, the _fantastic_ extravagantly, the _grotesque_ ridiculously. A _fanciful_ arrangement of objects is commonly pleasing, a _fantastic_ arrangement is striking, a _grotesque_ arrangement is laughable. A _fanciful_ theory or suggestion may be clearly recognized as such; a _visionary_ scheme is erroneously supposed to have a basis in fact. Compare synonyms for DREAM; IDEA; IMAGINATION.

Antonyms:

accurate, commonplace, prosaic, regular, sound, calculable, literal, real, sensible, sure, calculated, ordinary, reasonable, solid, true.

* * * * *

FANCY.

Synonyms:

belief, desire, imagination, predilection, caprice, humor, inclination, supposition, conceit, idea, liking, vagary, conception, image, mood, whim.

An intellectual _fancy_ is a mental _image_ or picture founded upon slight or whimsical association or resemblance; a _conceit_ has less of the picturesque and more of the theoretic than a _fancy_; a _conceit_ is somewhat aside from the common laws of reasoning, as a _fancy_ is lighter and more airy than the common mode of thought. A _conceit_ or _fancy_ may be wholly unfounded, while a _conception_ always has, or is believed to have, some answering reality. (Compare REASON.) An intellectual _fancy_ or _conceit_ may be pleasing or amusing, but is never worth serious discussion; we speak of a mere _fancy_, a droll or odd _conceit_. An emotional or personal _fancy_ is a capricious _liking_ formed with slight reason and no exercise of judgment, and liable to fade as lightly as it was formed. In a broader sense, the _fancy_ signifies the faculty by which _fancies_ or mental images are formed, associated, or combined. Compare synonyms for DREAM; IDEA; IMAGINATION.

Antonyms:

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

Prepositions:

To have a fancy _for_ or take a fancy _to_ a person or thing.

* * * * *

FAREWELL.

Synonyms:

adieu, good-by, parting salutation, valedictory. congé, leave-taking, valediction,

_Good-by_ is the homely and hearty, _farewell_ the formal English word at parting. _Adieu_, from the French, is still more ceremonious than _farewell_; _congé_, also from the French, is commonly contemptuous or supercilious, and equivalent to dismissal. _Valediction_ is a learned word never in popular use. A _valedictory_ is a public farewell to a company or assembly.

Prepositions:

I bade farewell _to_ my comrades, or (without preposition) I bade my comrades farewell; I took a sad farewell _of_ my friends.

* * * * *

FEAR.

Synonyms:

affright, dismay, horror, timidity, apprehension, disquietude, misgiving, trembling, awe, dread, panic, tremor, consternation, fright, terror, trepidation.

_Fear_ is the generic term denoting an emotion excited by threatening evil with a desire to avoid or escape it; _fear_ may be sudden or lingering, in view of present, of imminent, or of distant and only possible danger; in the latter sense _dread_ is oftener used. _Horror_ (etymologically a shivering or shuddering) denotes a shuddering _fear_ accompanied with abhorrence or such a shock to the feelings and sensibilities as may exist without _fear_, as when one suddenly encounters some ghastly spectacle; we say of a desperate but fettered criminal, "I looked upon him with _horror_." Where _horror_ includes _fear_, it is _fear_ mingled with abhorrence. (See ABHOR.) _Affright_, _fright_, and _terror_ are always sudden, and in actual presence of that which is terrible. _Fear_ may overwhelm, or may nerve one to desperate defense; _fright_ and _terror_ render one incapable of defense; _fear_ may be controlled by force of will; _fright_ and _terror_ overwhelm the will; _terror_ paralyzes, _fright_ may cause one to fly, to scream, or to swoon. _Fright_ is largely a matter of the nerves; _fear_ of the intellect and the imagination; _terror_ of all the faculties, bodily and mental. _Panic_ is a sudden _fear_ or _fright_, affecting numbers at once; vast armies or crowded audiences are liable to _panic_ upon slight occasion. In a like sense we speak of a financial _panic_. _Dismay_ is a helpless sinking of heart in view of some overwhelming peril or sorrow. _Dismay_ is more reflective, enduring, and despairing than _fright_; a horse is subject to _fright_ or _terror_, but not to _dismay_. _Awe_ is a reverential _fear_. Compare ALARM.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for FORTITUDE.

* * * * *

FEMININE.

Synonyms:

effeminate, female, womanish, womanly.

We apply _female_ to the sex, _feminine_ to the qualities, especially the finer physical or mental qualities that distinguish the _female_ sex in the human family, or to the objects appropriate for or especially employed by them. A _female_ voice is the voice of a woman; a _feminine_ voice may belong to a man. _Womanish_ denotes the undesirable, _womanly_ the admirable or lovely qualities of woman. _Womanly_ tears would suggest respect and sympathy, _womanish_ tears a touch of contempt. The word _effeminate_ is always used reproachfully, and only of men as possessing _womanly_ traits such as are inconsistent with true manliness.

Antonyms:

See synonyms for MASCULINE.

* * * * *

FETTER.

Synonyms:

bondage, custody, gyves, irons, bonds, durance, handcuffs, manacles, chains, duress, imprisonment, shackles.

_Bonds_ may be of cord, leather, or any other substance that can bind; _chains_ are of linked metal. _Manacles_ and _handcuffs_ are for the hands, _fetters_ are primarily chains or jointed iron fastenings for the feet; _gyves_ may be for either. A _shackle_ is a metallic ring, clasp, or bracelet-like fastening for encircling and restraining a limb: commonly one of a pair, used either for hands or feet. _Bonds_, _fetters_, and _chains_ are used in a general way for almost any form of restraint. _Gyves_ is now wholly poetic, and the other words are mostly restricted to the literary style; _handcuffs_ is the specific and _irons_ the general term in popular usage; as, the prisoner was put in _irons_. _Bonds_, _chains_, and _shackles_ are frequently used in the metaphorical sense.

* * * * *

FEUD.

Synonyms:

affray, brawl, contest, dissension, hostility, animosity, broil, controversy, enmity, quarrel, bitterness, contention, dispute, fray, strife.

A _feud_ is _enmity_ between families, clans, or parties, with acts of _hostility_ mutually retaliated and avenged; _feud_ is rarely used of individuals, never of nations. While all the other words of the group may refer to that which is transient, a _feud_ is long-enduring, and often hereditary. _Dissension_ is used of a number of persons, of a party or other organization. _Bitterness_ is in feeling only; _enmity_ and _hostility_ involve will and purpose to oppose or injure. A _quarrel_ is in word or act, or both, and is commonly slight and transient, as we speak of childish _quarrels_; _contention_ and _strife_ may be in word or deed; _contest_ ordinarily involves some form of action. _Contest_ is often used in a good sense, _contention_ and _strife_ very rarely so. _Controversy_ is commonly in words; _strife_ extends from verbal _controversy_ to the _contests_ of armies. _Affray_, _brawl_, and _broil_, like _quarrel_, are words of inferior dignity. An _affray_ or _broil_ may arise at a street corner; the _affray_ always involves physical force; the _brawl_ or _broil_ may be confined to violent language.

* * * * *

FICTION.

Synonyms:

allegory, fabrication, invention, myth, romance, apologue, falsehood, legend, novel, story. fable, figment,

_Fiction_ is now chiefly used of a prose work in narrative form in which the characters are partly or wholly imaginary, and which is designed to portray human life, with or without a practical lesson; a _romance_ portrays what is picturesque or striking, as a mere _fiction_ may not do; _novel_ is a general name for any continuous fictitious narrative, especially a love-story; _fiction_ and _novel_ are used with little difference of meaning, except that _novel_ characterizes a work in which the emotional element is especially prominent. The moral of the _fable_ is expressed formally; the lesson of the _fiction_, if any, is inwrought. A _fiction_ is studied; a _myth_ grows up without intent. A _legend_ may be true, but can not be historically verified; a _myth_ has been received as true at some time, but is now known to be false. A _fabrication_ is designed to deceive; it is a less odious word than _falsehood_, but is really stronger, as a _falsehood_ may be a sudden unpremeditated statement, while a _fabrication_ is a series of statements carefully studied and fitted together in order to deceive; the _falsehood_ is all false; the _fabrication_ may mingle the true with the false. A _figment_ is something imaginary which the one who utters it may or may not believe to be true; we say, "That statement is a _figment_ of his imagination." The _story_ may be either true or false, and covers the various senses of all the words in the group. _Apologue_, a word simply transferred from Greek into English, is the same as _fable_. Compare ALLEGORY.

Antonyms:

certainty, fact, history, literalness, reality, truth, verity.

* * * * *

FIERCE.

Synonyms:

ferocious, furious, raging, uncultivated, violent, fiery, impetuous, savage, untrained, wild.

_Fierce_ signifies having a _furious_ and cruel nature, or being in a _furious_ and cruel mood, more commonly the latter. It applies to that which is now intensely excited, or liable to intense and sudden excitement. _Ferocious_ refers to a state or disposition; that which is _fierce_ flashes or blazes; that which is _ferocious_ steadily burns; we speak of a _ferocious_ animal, a _fierce_ passion. A _fiery_ spirit with a good disposition is quickly excitable in a good cause, but may not be _fierce_ or _ferocious_. _Savage_ signifies _untrained_, _uncultivated_. _Ferocious_ always denotes a tendency to violence; it is more distinctly bloodthirsty than the other words; a person may be deeply, intensely cruel, and not at all _ferocious_; a _ferocious_ countenance expresses habitual ferocity; a _fierce_ countenance may express habitual fierceness, or only the sudden anger of the moment. That which is _wild_ is simply unrestrained; the word may imply no anger or harshness; as, _wild_ delight, _wild_ alarm.

Antonyms:

affectionate, gentle, kind, patient, submissive, tame, docile, harmless, mild, peaceful, sweet, tender.

* * * * *

FINANCIAL.

Synonyms:

fiscal, monetary, pecuniary.

These words all relate to money, receipts, or expenditures. _Monetary_ relates to actual money, coin, currency; as, the _monetary_ system; a _monetary_ transaction is one in which money is transferred. _Pecuniary_ refers to that in which money is involved, but less directly; we speak of one's _pecuniary_ affairs or interests, with no special reference to the handling of cash. _Financial_ applies especially to governmental revenues or expenditures, or to private transactions of considerable moment; we speak of a _pecuniary_ reward, a _financial_ enterprise; we give a needy person _pecuniary_ (not _financial_) assistance. It is common to speak of the _fiscal_ rather than the _financial_ year.

* * * * *

FINE.

Synonyms:

beautiful, excellent, polished, small, clarified, exquisite, pure, smooth, clear, gauzy, refined, splendid, comminuted, handsome, sensitive, subtile, dainty, keen, sharp, subtle, delicate, minute, slender, tenuous, elegant, nice, slight, thin.

_Fine_ (L. _finis_, end) denotes that which has been brought to a full end, finished. From this root-sense many derived meanings branch out, causing words quite remote from each other to be alike synonyms of _fine_. That which is truly finished, brought to an ideal end, is _excellent_ of its kind, and _beautiful_, if a thing that admits of beauty; as, a _fine_ house, _fine_ trees, a _fine_ woman, a _fine_ morning; if a thing that admits of the removal of impurities, it is not finished till these are removed, and hence _fine_ signifies _clarified_, _clear_, _pure_, _refined_; as, _fine_ gold. That which is finished is apt to be _polished_, smooth to the touch, minutely exact in outline; hence _fine_ comes to be a synonym for all words like _dainty_, _delicate_, _exquisite_; as, _fine_ manners, a _fine_ touch, _fine_ perceptions. As that which is _delicate_ is apt to be small, by an easy extension of meaning _fine_ becomes a synonym for _slender_, _slight_, _minute_, _comminuted_; as, a _fine_ thread, _fine_ sand; or for _filmy_, _tenuous_, _thin_; as, a _fine_ lace, _fine_ wire; and as a _thin_ edge is _keen_, _sharp_, _fine_ becomes also a synonym for these words; as, a _fine_ point, a _fine_ edge. Compare BEAUTIFUL; MINUTE.

Antonyms:

big, clumsy, great, huge, large, stout, blunt, coarse, heavy, immense, rude, thick.

* * * * *

FIRE.

Synonyms:

blaze, burning, combustion, conflagration, flame.

_Combustion_ is the essential fact which is at the basis of that assemblage of visible phenomenon which we call _fire_; _combustion_ being the continuous chemical combination of a substance with some element, as oxygen, evolving heat, and extending from slow processes, such as those by which the heat of the human body is maintained, to the processes producing the most intense light also, as in a blast-furnace, or on the surface of the sun. _Fire_ is always attended with light, as well as heat; _blaze_, _flame_, etc., designate the mingled light and heat of a _fire_. _Combustion_ is the scientific, _fire_ the popular term. A _conflagration_ is an extensive _fire_. Compare LIGHT.

* * * * *

FLOCK.

Synonyms:

bevy, covey, group, herd, lot, set, brood, drove, hatch, litter, pack, swarm.

_Group_ is the general word for any gathering of a small number of objects, whether of persons, animals, or inanimate things. The individuals in a _brood_ or _litter_ are related to each other; those in the other _groups_ may not be. _Brood_ is used chiefly of fowls and birds, _litter_ of certain quadrupeds which bring forth many young at a birth; we speak of a _brood_ of chickens, a _litter_ of puppies; _brood_ is sometimes applied to a family of young children. _Bevy_ is used of birds, and figuratively of any bright and lively _group_ of women or children, but rarely of men. _Flock_ is applied to birds and to some of the smaller animals; _herd_ is confined to the larger animals; we speak of a _bevy_ of quail, a _covey_ of partridges, a _flock_ of blackbirds, or a _flock_ of sheep, a _herd_ of cattle, horses, buffaloes, or elephants, a _pack_ of wolves, a _pack_ of hounds, a _swarm_ of bees. A collection of animals driven or gathered for driving is called a _drove_.

* * * * *

FLUCTUATE.

Synonyms:

hesitate, swerve, vacillate, veer, oscillate, undulate, vary, waver.

To _fluctuate_ (L. _fluctus_, a wave) is to move like a wave with alternate rise and fall. A pendulum _oscillates_; waves _fluctuate_ or _undulate_; a light or a flame _wavers_; a frightened steed _swerves_ from his course; a tool or weapon _swerves_ from the mark or line; the temperature _varies_; the wind _veers_ when it suddenly changes its direction. That which _veers_ may steadily hold the new direction; that which _oscillates_, _fluctuates_, _undulates_, or _wavers_ returns upon its way. As regards mental states, he who _hesitates_ sticks (L. _hærere_) on the verge of decision; he who _wavers_ does not stick to a decision; he who _vacillates_ decides now one way, and now another; one _vacillates_ between contrasted decisions or actions; he may _waver_ between decision and indecision, or between action and inaction. Persons _hesitate_, _vacillate_, _waver_; feelings _fluctuate_ or _vary_. Compare SHAKE.

Antonyms:

abide, adhere, hold fast, persist, stand fast, stay, stick.

* * * * *

FLUID.

Synonyms:

gas, liquid.

A _fluid_ is a substance that, like air or water, yields to any force that tends to change its form; a _liquid_ is a body in that state in which the particles move freely among themselves, but remain in one mass, keeping the same volume, but taking always the form of the containing vessel; a _liquid_ is an inelastic _fluid_; a _gas_ is an elastic _fluid_ that tends to expand to the utmost limits of the containing space. All _liquids_ are _fluids_, but not all _fluids_ are _liquids_; air and all the _gases_ are _fluids_, but they are not _liquids_ under ordinary circumstances, tho capable of being reduced to a _liquid_ form by special means, as by cold and pressure. Water at the ordinary temperature is at once a _fluid_ and a _liquid_.

* * * * *

FOLLOW.

Synonyms:

accompany, come after, go after, obey, pursue, attend, copy, heed, observe, result, chase, ensue, imitate, practise, succeed.

Anything that _comes after_ or _goes after_ another, either in space or in time, is said to _follow_ it. A servant _follows_ or _attends_ his master; a victorious general may _follow_ the retiring enemy merely to watch and hold him in check; he _chases_ or _pursues_ with intent to overtake and attack; the chase is closer and hotter than the pursuit. (Compare synonyms for HUNT.) One event may _follow_ another either with or without special connection; if it _ensues_, there is some orderly connection; as, the _ensuing_ year; if it _results_ from another, there is some relation of effect, consequence, or inference. A clerk _observes_ his employer's directions. A child _obeys_ his parent's commands, _follows_ or _copies_ his example, _imitates_ his speech and manners. The compositor _follows_ copy; the incoming _succeeds_ the outgoing official.

* * * * *

FOOD.

Synonyms:

aliment, feed, nourishment, pabulum, sustenance, diet, fodder, nutriment, provender, viands, fare, forage, nutrition, regimen, victuals.

_Food_ is, in the popular sense, whatever one eats in contradistinction to what one drinks. Thus, we speak of _food_ and drink, of wholesome, unwholesome, or indigestible _food_; but in a more scientific sense whatever, when taken into the digestive organs, serves to build up structure or supply waste may be termed _food_; the word is extended to plants to signify whatever taken in any way into the organism serves similar purposes; thus, we speak of liquid _food_, plant _food_, etc.; in this wider sense _food_ is closely synonymous with _nutriment_, _nourishment_, and _sustenance_. _Diet_ refers to the quantity and quality of _food_ habitually taken, with reference to preservation of health. _Victuals_ is a plain, homely word for whatever may be eaten; we speak of choice _viands_, cold _victuals_. _Nourishment_ and _sustenance_ apply to whatever can be introduced into the system as a means of sustaining life; we say of a convalescent, he is taking _nourishment_. _Nutriment_ and _nutrition_ have more of scientific reference to the vitalizing principles of various _foods_; thus, wheat is said to contain a great amount of _nutriment_. _Regimen_ considers _food_ as taken by strict rule, but applies more widely to the whole ordering of life. _Fare_ is a general word for all table supplies, good or bad; as, sumptuous _fare_; wretched _fare_. _Feed_, _fodder_, and _provender_ are used only of the food of the lower animals, _feed_ denoting anything consumed, but more commonly grain, _fodder_ denoting hay, cornstalks, or the like, sometimes called "long _feed_;" _provender_ is dry _feed_, whether grain or hay, straw, etc. _Forage_ denotes any kind of _food_ suitable for horses and cattle, primarily as obtained by a military force in scouring the country, especially an enemy's country.

* * * * *

FORMIDABLE.

Synonyms:

dangerous, redoubted, terrible, tremendous.

That which is _formidable_ is worthy of fear if encountered or opposed; as, a _formidable_ array of troops, or of evidence. _Formidable_ is a word of more dignity than _dangerous_, and suggests more calm and collected power than _terrible_; _formidable_ is less overwhelming than _tremendous_. A loaded gun is _dangerous_; a park of artillery is _formidable_; a charge of cavalry is _terrible_; the full shock of great armies is _tremendous_. A _dangerous_ man is likely to do mischief, and needs watching; a _formidable_ man may not be _dangerous_ if not attacked; an enraged maniac is _terrible_; the force of ocean waves in a storm, and the silent pressure in the ocean depths, are _tremendous_.

Antonyms:

contemptible, feeble, harmless, helpless, powerless, weak. despicable,

Prepositions:

Formidable _by_ or _in_ numbers; _in_ strength; formidable _to_ the enemy.

* * * * *

FORTIFICATION.

Synonyms:

castle, citadel, fastness, fort, fortress, stronghold.

_Fortification_ is the general word for any artificial defensive work; a _fortress_ is a _fortification_ of especial size and strength; a _fortress_ is regarded as permanent, and is ordinarily an independent work; a _fort_ or _fortification_ may be temporary; a _fortification_ may be but part of a defensive system; we speak of the _fortifications_ of a city. A _citadel_ is a _fortification_ within a city, or the fortified inner part of a city or _fortress_, within which a garrison may be placed to overawe the citizens, or to which the defenders may retire if the outer works are captured; the medieval _castle_ was the fortified residence of a king or baron. _Fort_ is the common military term for a detached fortified building or enclosure of moderate size occupied or designed to be occupied by troops. The _fortifications_ of a modern city usually consist of a chain of _forts_. Any defensible place, whether made so by nature or by art, is a _fastness_ or _stronghold_.

* * * * *

FORTITUDE.

Synonyms:

courage, endurance, heroism, resolution.

_Fortitude_ (L. _fortis_, strong) is the strength or firmness of mind or soul to endure pain or adversity patiently and determinedly. _Fortitude_ has been defined as "passive _courage_," which is a good definition, but not complete. _Fortitude_ might be termed "still _courage_," or "enduring _courage_;" it is that quality which is able not merely to endure pain or trial, but steadily to confront dangers that can not be actively opposed, or against which one has no adequate defense; it takes _courage_ to charge a battery, _fortitude_ to stand still under an enemy's fire. _Resolution_ is of the mind; _endurance_ is partly physical; it requires _resolution_ to resist temptation, _endurance_ to resist hunger and cold. Compare BRAVE; PATIENCE.

* * * * *

FORTUNATE.

Synonyms:

favored, lucky, prospered, prosperous, successful. happy,

A man is _successful_ in any case if he achieves or gains what he seeks; he is known as a _successful_ man if he has achieved or gained worthy objects of endeavor; he is _fortunate_ or _lucky_ if advantages have come to him without or beyond his direct planning or achieving. _Lucky_ is the more common and colloquial, _fortunate_ the more elegant word; _fortunate_ is more naturally applied to the graver matters, as we speak of the _fortunate_, rather than the _lucky_, issue of a great battle; _lucky_ more strongly emphasizes the element of chance, as when we speak of a _lucky_ hit, a _lucky_ guess, or of one as "born under a _lucky_ star." _Favored_ is used in a religious sense, implying that one is the object of divine favor. _Happy_, in this connection, signifies possessed of the means of happiness. One is said to be _happy_ or _prosperous_ whether his prosperity be the result of fortune or of achievement; _prospered_ rather denotes the action of a superintending Providence.

Antonyms:

broken, fallen, miserable, unhappy, woful, crushed, ill-starred, unfortunate, unlucky, wretched.

* * * * *

FRAUD.

Synonyms:

artifice, deceit, duplicity, swindle, treason, cheat, deception, imposition, swindling, trick. cheating, dishonesty, imposture, treachery,

A _fraud_ is an act of deliberate _deception_ with the design of securing something by taking unfair advantage of another. A _deceit_ or _deception_ may be designed merely to gain some end of one's own, with no intent of harming another; an _imposition_, to take some small advantage of another, or simply to make another ridiculous. An _imposture_ is designed to obtain money, credit, or position to which one is not entitled, and may be practised by a street beggar or by the pretender to a throne. All action that is not honest is _dishonesty_, but the term _dishonesty_ is generally applied in business, politics, etc., to deceitful practises which are not directly criminal. _Fraud_ includes _deceit_, but _deceit_ may not reach the gravity of _fraud_; a _cheat_ is of the nature of _fraud_, but of a petty sort; a _swindle_ is more serious than a _cheat_, involving larger values and more flagrant _dishonesty_. _Fraud_ is commonly actionable at law; _cheating_ and _swindling_ are for the most part out of the reach of legal proceedings. _Treachery_ is chiefly used of _dishonesty_ in matters of friendship, social relations, government, or war; _treachery_ may be more harmful than _fraud_, but is not so gross, and is not ordinarily open to legal redress. _Treason_ is a specific form of _treachery_ of a subject to the government to which he owes allegiance, and is definable and punishable at law. Compare ARTIFICE; DECEPTION.

Antonyms:

fairness, good faith, honesty, integrity, truth, uprightness.

* * * * *

FRIENDLY.

Synonyms:

accessible, companionable, genial, neighborly, affable, complaisant, hearty, sociable, affectionate, cordial, kind, social, amicable, favorable, kindly, tender, brotherly, fond, loving, well-disposed.

_Friendly_, as said of persons, signifies having the disposition of a friend; as said of acts, it signifies befitting or worthy of a friend. The adjective _friendly_ does not reach the full significance of the nouns "friend" and "friendship;" one may be _friendly_ to those who are not his friends, and to be in _friendly_ relations often signifies little more than not to be hostile. In its application to persons, _accessible_ is used of public and eminent persons, who might, if disposed, hold themselves at a distance from others. _Companionable_ and _sociable_ refer to manner and behavior, _cordial_ and _genial_ express genuine kindliness of heart. We speak of a _cordial_ greeting, a _favorable_ reception, a _neighborly_ call, a _sociable_ visitor, an _amicable_ settlement, a _kind_ interest, a _friendly_ regard, a _hearty_ welcome. The Saxon _friendly_ is stronger than the Latin _amicable_; the _amicable_ may be merely formal; the _friendly_ is from the heart. _Fond_ is commonly applied to an affection that becomes, or at least appears, excessive. _Affectionate_, _devoted_, and _tender_ are almost always used in a high and good sense; as, an _affectionate_ son; a _devoted_ friend; "the _tender_ mercy of our God," _Luke_ i, 78. Compare FRIENDSHIP.

Antonyms:

adverse, belligerent, distant, ill-disposed, unfriendly, alienated, cold, estranged, indifferent, unkind, antagonistic, contentious, frigid, inimical, warlike. bellicose, disaffected, hostile,

* * * * *

FRIENDSHIP.

Synonyms:

affection, comity, esteem, good will, amity, consideration, favor, love, attachment, devotion, friendliness, regard.