always
in a bad sense;
machine inclines to the unfavorable sense, as implying that human agents are made
mechanically subservient to some controlling will; as, an
instrument of Providence; the
tool of a tyrant; a
political
machine.
* * * * *
TOPIC.
Synonyms:
division, issue, motion, proposition, subject, head, matter, point, question, theme.
A
topic (Gr.
topos, place) is a
head of discourse. Since a
topic for discussion is often stated in the form of a
question,
question has come to be extensively used to denote a debatable
topic,
especially of a practical
nature--an
issue; as, the labor
question; the temperance
question. In deliberative assemblies a
proposition
presented or moved for acceptance is called a
motion, and such a
motion or other matter for consideration is
known as the
question, since it is or may be stated in interrogative form to be answered by each member with
a vote of "aye" or "no;" a member is required to speak to the
question; the chairman puts the
question. In
speaking
or writing the general subject or
theme may be termed the
topic, tho it is more usual to apply the
latter term to the subordinate
divisions,
points, or
heads of discourse; as, to enlarge on this
topic would carry
me too far from my
subject; a pleasant drive will suggest many
topics for conversation.
* * * * *
TRACE.
Synonyms:
footmark, impression, remains, token, trail, footprint, mark, remnant, track, vestige. footstep,
memorial, sign,
A
memorial is that which is intended or fitted to bring to remembrance something that has passed away; it
may be vast and stately. On the other hand, a slight
token of regard may be a cherished
memorial of a friend;
either a concrete object or an observance may be a
memorial. A
vestige is always slight compared with that
whose existence it recalls; as, scattered mounds containing implements, weapons, etc., are
vestiges of a former
civilization. A
vestige is always a part
of that which has passed away; a
trace may be merely the
mark made
by something that has been present or passed by, and that is still existing, or some slight evidence of its
presence or of the effect it has produced; as,
traces of game were observed by the hunter. Compare
CHARACTERISTIC.
* * * * *
TRANSACT.
Synonyms:
accomplish, carry on, do, perform, act, conduct, negotiate, treat.
There are many acts that one may
do,
accomplish, or
perform unaided; what he
transacts is
by means of or in
association with others; one may
do a duty,
perform a vow,
accomplish a task, but he
transacts business, since
that always involves the agency of others. To
negotiate and to
treat are likewise collective acts, but both these
words lay stress upon deliberation with adjustment of mutual claims and interests;
transact, while it may
depend upon previous deliberation, states execution only. Notes, bills of exchange, loans, and treaties are said
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
286
to be
negotiated, the word so used covering not merely the preliminary consideration, but the final settlement.
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