English synonymes explained; in alphabetical order with copious illustrations and examples drawn from the best writers to which is now added an index to the words

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1882 Excerpt: ...of close attention. Johnson. For want of a process of events, neither knowledge nor elegance preserve the reader from weariness. Johnson. The cattle in the fields show evident symptoms of Uissitude and disgust in an unpleasant season. Cuwpeh. FAVORABLE, PROPITIOUS. In a former paragraph (v. Auspicious) I have shown propitious to be a species of the favorable, namely, the favorable as it springs from the design of an agent; what is propitious, therefore, is always favorable, but not vice versa: the favorable properly characterizes both persons and things; the propitious, in the proper sense, characterizes the person only: as applied to persons, an equal may be favorable; a superior only is propitious: the one may be favorable only in inclination; the latter is favorable also in granting timely assistance. Cato was favorable to Pompey; the gods were propitious to the Greeks: we may all wish to have our friends favorable to our projects; none but heathens expect to have a blind destiny propitious. In the improper sense, propitious may be applied to things with a similar distinction: whatever is well-disposed to us, and seconds our endeavors, or serves our purpose, is favorable; whatever efficaciously protects us, speeds our exertions, and decides our success, is propitious to us: on ordinary occasions, a wind is said to be favorable which carries us to the end of our voyage; but it is said to be propitious if the rapidity of our passage forwards any great purpose of our own. You have, indeed, every favorable circumstance for your advancement that can be wished. Melmoth's Letters Of Cicero. But ah 1 what use of valor can be made, When Heaven's propitious powers refuse their aid? Dhyden. FEARFUL, DREADFUL, FRIGHTFUL, TREMENDOUS, TKRRIBLE, TERRIFIC, HORRIBLE, HOR...