English Synonyms and Antonyms

foolish, and silly? 3. What is the especial implication in unreasonable? 4. How do monstrous and
preposterous compare with absurd? 5. What is the especial element common to the ludicrous, the ridiculous,
and the nonsensical? 6. What are some chief antonyms of absurd?
EXAMPLES.
A statement may be disproved by deducing logically from it a conclusion that is ----.
Carlyle delighted in ---- utterances.
The ---- hatred of the Jews in the Middle Ages led the populace to believe the most ---- slanders concerning
them.
I attempted to dissuade him from the ---- plan, but found him altogether ----; many of his arguments were so
---- as to be positively ----.
* * * * *
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
305

---

ABUSE (page 12).
QUESTIONS.
1. To what does abuse apply? 2. How does abuse differ from damage (as in the case of rented property, e. g.)?
3. How does abuse differ from harm? 4. What words of this group are used in a bad sense? 5. Is reproach
good or bad? 6. How do persecute and oppress differ? 7. Do misemploy, misuse, and pervert apply to persons
or things? To which does abuse apply?
EXAMPLES.
The tenant shall not ---- the property beyond reasonable wear.
---- intellectual gifts make the dangerous villain.
In his rage he began to ---- and ---- all who had formerly been his friends.
To be ---- for doing right can never really ---- a true man.
In no way has man ---- his fellow man more cruelly than by ---- him for his religious belief.
* * * * *
ACCESSORY, n. (page 13).
QUESTIONS.
1. Which words of this group are used in a good, and which in a bad sense? 2. Which are indifferently either
good or bad? 3. To what does ally generally apply? colleague? 4. How does an associate compare in rank
with a principal? 5. Is assistant or attendant the higher word? How do both these words compare with
associate? 6. In what sense are follower, henchman, and retainer used? partner? 7. What is the legal
distinction between abettor and accessory? 8. To what is accomplice nearly equivalent? Which is the
preferred legal term?
EXAMPLES.
The Senator differed with his ---- in this matter.
The baron rode into town with a great array of armed ----.
France and Russia seem to have become firm ----.
The ---- called to the ---- for a fresh bandage.
All persons, but especially the young, should take the greatest care in the choice of their ----.
As he was not present at the actual commission of the crime, he was held to be only an ---- and not an ----.
* * * * *
ACCIDENT (page 14).
Synonyms and Antonyms, by James Champlin Fernald
306

---

QUESTIONS.
1. What is the difference between accident and chance? 2. How does incident differ from both? 3. What is the
special significance of fortune? 4. How does it differ in usage from chance? 5. How are accident,
misadventure, and mishap distinguished?
EXAMPLES.
Gambling clings almost inseparably to games of ----.
Bruises and contusions are regarded as ordinary ---- of the cavalry service.
The prudent man is careful not to tempt ---- too far.
The misplacement of the switch caused a terrible ----.
Great thoughts and high purposes keep one from being greatly disturbed by the little ---- of daily life.
* * * * *
ACQUAINTANCE (page 15).
QUESTIONS.
1. What does acquaintance between persons imply? 2. How does acquaintance differ from companionship?