English Synonyms and Antonyms

Chapter 183

EXAMPLES.

I know, indeed, the evil of that I ----, but my inclination gets the better of my judgment.

Man ----s, but G.o.d disposes.

PROTRACT (page 293).

QUESTIONS.

1. What is it to _protract_? 2. What is the significance of _defer_ and _delay_, and how do these words differ in usage from _protract_? 3. How does _elongate_ differ from _protract_? 4. Is _protract_ ordinarily favorable or unfavorable in sense? 5. Is _continue_ favorable or unfavorable?

EXAMPLES.

Unseen hands ---- The coming of what oft seems close in ken.

Burton, a hypochondriac, wrote the "Anatomy of Melancholy," that marvel of learning, and ---- his life to the age of sixty-four.

PROVERB (page 293).

QUESTIONS.

1. In what do the _proverb_ and the _adage_ agree? In what respects do they differ? 2. What is an _apothegm_? an _aphorism_? How do these two words differ? 3. What is a _dictum_? a _saying_? 4. What is a _precept_?

How does it differ from a _motto_ or _maxim_? 5. How do _motto_ and _maxim_ differ from each other?

EXAMPLES.

The ---- must be verified, That beggars mounted, run their horse to death.

Books, like ----s, receive their chief value from the stamp and esteem of ages through which they have pa.s.sed.

PRUDENCE (page 294).

QUESTIONS.

1. What is the definition of _prudence_? 2. How does _providence_ differ from _prudence_? 3. How does _care_ compare with _prudence_ and _providence_? 4. How is _frugality_ related to _prudence_? 5. How do _foresight_ and _forethought_ compare with each other, and both with _providence_?

EXAMPLES.

When desp"rate ills demand a speedy cure, Distrust is cowardice, and ---- folly.

With a ---- unknown in other parts of Scotland, the peasantry have in most places planted orchards around their cottages.

PURCHASE (page 295).

QUESTIONS.

1. From what language is _purchase_ derived? 2. From what is _buy_ derived? 3. How do _buy_ and _purchase_ agree in meaning? What single definition would answer for either? 4. How do _buy_ and _purchase_ differ in use? Give instances.

EXAMPLES.

I"ll give thee England"s treasure, Enough to ---- such another island, So thou wilt make me live.

"Tis gold which ----s admittance.

---- the truth, and sell it not.

PURE (page 296).

QUESTIONS.

1. What does _pure_ signify? 2. In what sense are material substances said to be _pure_? 3. What does _pure_ denote in moral and religious use? 4. How does _pure_ compare with _innocent_? with _virtuous_?

EXAMPLES.

Water from melted snow is ----r than rain-water, as it descends through the air in a solid form, incapable of absorbing atmospheric gases.

Stone walls do not a prison make, Nor iron bars a cage; Minds ---- and quiet take That for a hermitage.

In every place incense shall be offered unto my name and a ---- offering, saith the Lord of hosts.

QUEER (page 297).

QUESTIONS.

1. What is the meaning of _odd_? _singular_? Are _odd_ and _singular_ precise equivalents? 2. When is a thing called _strange_? 3. What is the primary meaning of _peculiar_? With what implication is it now commonly used? 4. What is the meaning of _eccentric_? How does it differ in use from _odd_ or _queer_? 5. How does _erratic_ compare with _eccentric_?

6. What is the primary meaning of _queer_? its common meaning? 7. What is the significance of _quaint_? _grotesque_?