English Synonyms and Antonyms

pray and petition? 5. What kind of asking is implied in demand? in require? How do these two words differ
from one another?
EXAMPLES.
We, ignorant of ourselves, ---- often our own harms, which the wise powers Deny us for our good: so we find
profit, By losing of our prayers.
The harvest truly is great, but the labourers are few: ---- ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would
send forth labourers into his harvest.
Speak with me, pity me, open the door, A beggar ---- that never begg'd before.
Be not afraid to ----; to ---- is right. ----, if thou canst, with hope; but ever ----. Though hope be weak or sick
with long delay; ---- in the darkness, if there be no light.
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ASSOCIATE (page 60).
QUESTIONS.
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327

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1. What does associate imply, as used officially? What when used in popular language? 2. Do we speak of
associates in crime or wrong? What words are preferred in such connection? (See synonyms for
ACCESSORY.) 3. Is companion used in a good or bad sense? 4. How does it differ in use from associate? 5.
What is the significance of peer? comrade? consort?
EXAMPLES.
His best ----, innocence and health, And his best riches, ignorance of wealth.
The ---- accepted Napoleon's abdication.
The leader in the plot was betrayed by his ----.
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ASSUME (page 61).
QUESTIONS.
1. Does assume apply to that which is rightfully or wrongfully taken? 2. In what use does assume correspond
with arrogate and usurp? 3. How do arrogate and usurp differ from each other? How does assume differ from
postulate as regards debate or reasoning of any kind?
EXAMPLES.
Wherefore do I ---- These royalties, and not refuse to reign.
---- a virtue if you have it not.
For well we know no hand of blood and bone Can gripe the sacred handle of our scepter, Unless he do
profane, steal, or ----.
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ASSURANCE (page 61).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is assurance in the good sense? 2. What is assurance in the bad sense? 3. How does assurance
compare with impudence? with effrontery?
EXAMPLES.
Let us draw near with a true heart in full ---- of faith.
Some wicked wits have libel'd all the fair. With matchless ---- they style a wife The dear-bought curse, and
lawful plague of life.
With brazen ---- he denied the most indisputable facts.
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328

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ASTUTE (page 62).
QUESTIONS.
1. From what language is acute derived? What is its distinctive sense? 2. From what language is keen derived?
What does it distinctively denote? 3. From what language is astute derived, and what was its original
meaning? 4. In present use what does astute add to the meaning of acute or keen? 5. What does astute imply
regarding the ulterior purpose or object of the person who is credited with it?
EXAMPLES.
You statesmen are so ---- in forming schemes!
He taketh the wise in their own ----ness.
The most ---- reasoner may be deluded, when he practises sophistry upon himself.
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ATTACHMENT (page 63).
QUESTIONS.
1. What is attachment? How does it differ from adherence or adhesion? from affection? from inclination?
from regard?
EXAMPLES.
Talk not of wasted ----, ---- never was wasted.
You do not weaken your ---- for your family by cultivating ----s beyond its pale, but deepen and intensify it.
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ATTACK, v. & n. (pages 63, 64).
QUESTIONS.
1. What special element is involved in the meaning of attack? 2. How do assail and assault differ? 3. What is
it to encounter? how does this word compare with attack? How does attack differ from aggression?
EXAMPLES.
We see time's furrows on another's brow, And death intrench'd, preparing his ----; How few themselves in that
just mirror see!
Who ever knew Truth put to the worse in a free and open ----?
Roger Williams ---- the spirit of intolerance, the doctrine of persecution, and never his persecutors.
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ATTAIN (page 64).
QUESTIONS.
1. What kind of a word is attain, and to what does it point? 2. How does attain differ from obtain? from