English Synonyms and Antonyms

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:
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
71

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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.