English Synonyms and Antonyms Part 3

ABRIDGMENT.

Synonyms:

abbreviation, compend, epitome, summary, abstract, compendium, outline, synopsis.

a.n.a.lysis, digest,

An _abridgment_ gives the most important portions of a work substantially as they stand. An _outline_ or _synopsis_ is a kind of sketch closely following the plan. An _abstract_ or _digest_ is an independent statement of what the book contains. An _a.n.a.lysis_ draws out the chief thoughts or arguments, whether expressed or implied. A _summary_ is the most condensed statement of results or conclusions. An _epitome_, _compend_, or _compendium_ is a condensed view of a subject, whether derived from a previous publication or not. We may have an _abridgment_ of a dictionary, but not an _a.n.a.lysis_, _abstract_, _digest_, or _summary_. We may have an _epitome_ of religion, a _compendium_ of English literature, but not an _abridgment_. Compare ABBREVIATION.

ABSOLUTE.

Synonyms:

arbitrary, compulsory, haughty, peremptory, arrogant, controlling, imperative, positive, authoritative, despotic, imperious, supreme, autocratic, dictatorial, irresponsible, tyrannical, coercive, dogmatic, lordly, unconditional, commanding, domineering, overbearing, unequivocal.

compulsive, exacting,

In the strict sense, _absolute_, free from all limitation or control, and _supreme_, superior to all, can not properly be said of any being except the divine. Both words are used, however, in a modified sense, of human authorities; _absolute_ then signifying free from limitation by other authority, and _supreme_ exalted over all other; as, an _absolute_ monarch, the _supreme_ court. _Absolute_, in this use, does not necessarily carry any unfavorable sense, but as _absolute_ power in human hands is always abused, the unfavorable meaning predominates.

_Autocratic_ power knows no limits outside the ruler's self; _arbitrary_ power, none outside the ruler's will or judgment, _arbitrary_ carrying the implication of wilfulness and capriciousness. _Despotic_ is commonly applied to a masterful or severe use of power, which is expressed more decidedly by _tyrannical_. _Arbitrary_ may be used in a good sense; as, the p.r.o.nunciation of proper names is _arbitrary_; but the bad sense is the prevailing one; as, an _arbitrary_ proceeding. _Irresponsible_ power is not necessarily bad, but eminently dangerous; an executor or trustee should not be _irresponsible_; an _irresponsible_ ruler is likely to be _tyrannical_. A perfect ruler might be _irresponsible_ and not _tyrannical_. _Authoritative_ is used always in a good sense, implying the right to claim authority; _imperative_, _peremptory_, and _positive_ are used ordinarily in the good sense; as, an _authoritative_ definition; an _imperative_ demand; a _peremptory_ command; _positive_ instructions; _imperious_ signifies a.s.suming and determined to command, rigorously requiring obedience. An _imperious_ demand or requirement may have in it nothing offensive; it is simply one that resolutely insists upon compliance, and will not brook refusal; an _arrogant_ demand is offensive by its tone of superiority, an _arbitrary_ demand by its unreasonableness; an _imperious_ disposition is liable to become _arbitrary_ and _arrogant_. A person of an independent spirit is inclined to resent an _imperious_ manner in any one, especially in one whose superiority is not clearly recognized. _Commanding_ is always used in a good sense; as, a _commanding_ appearance; a _commanding_ eminence. Compare DOGMATIC; INFINITE; PERFECT.

Antonyms:

accountable, const.i.tutional, gentle, lowly, responsible, complaisant, contingent, humble, meek, submissive, compliant, docile, lenient, mild, yielding.

conditional, ductile, limited,

ABSOLVE.

Synonyms:

acquit, exculpate, forgive, pardon, clear, exempt, free, release, discharge, exonerate, liberate, set free.

To _absolve_, in the strict sense, is to _set free_ from any bond. One may be _absolved_ from a promise by a breach of faith on the part of one to whom the promise was made. To _absolve_ from sins is formally to remit their condemnation and penalty, regarded as a bond upon the soul.

"Almighty G.o.d ... _pardoneth_ and _absolveth_ all those who truly repent, and unfeignedly believe his holy Gospel." _Book of Common Prayer, Declar. of Absol._ To _acquit_ of sin or crime is to _free_ from the accusation of it, p.r.o.nouncing one guiltless; the innocent are rightfully _acquitted_; the guilty may be mercifully _absolved_. Compare PARDON.

Antonyms:

accuse, charge, condemn, impeach, obligate, bind, compel, convict, inculpate, oblige.

Preposition:

One is absolved _from_ (rarely _of_) a promise, a sin, etc.

ABSORB.

Synonyms:

consume, engross, suck up, take in, drink in, exhaust, swallow, take up.

drink up, imbibe, swallow up,

A fluid that is _absorbed_ is _taken up_ into the ma.s.s of the _absorbing_ body, with which it may or may not permanently combine. Wood expands when it _absorbs_ moisture, iron when it _absorbs_ heat, the substance remaining perhaps otherwise substantially unchanged; quicklime, when it _absorbs_ water, becomes a new substance with different qualities, hydrated or slaked lime. A substance is _consumed_ which is destructively appropriated by some other substance, being, or agency, so that it ceases to exist or to be recognized as existing in its original condition; fuel is _consumed_ in the fire, food in the body; _consume_ is also applied to whatever is removed from the market for individual use; as, silk and woolen goods are _consumed_. A great talker _engrosses_ the conversation. A credulous person _swallows_ the most preposterous statement. A busy student _imbibes_ or _drinks in_ knowledge; he is _absorbed_ in a subject that takes his whole attention.

"I only postponed it because I happened to get _absorbed_ in a book."

KANE _Grinnell Exped._ ch. 43, page 403. [H. '54.]

Antonyms:

cast out, dissipate, emit, put forth, shoot forth, disgorge, distract, exude, radiate, throw off, disperse, eject, give up, send out, vomit.

Prepositions:

Plants absorb moisture _from_ the air; the student is absorbed _in_ thought; nutriment may be absorbed _into_ the system _through_ the skin.

ABSTINENCE.

Synonyms:

abstemiousness, frugality, self-denial, sobriety, continence, moderation, self-restraint, temperance.

fasting, self-control,

_Abstinence_ from food commonly signifies going without; _abstemiousness_, partaking moderately; _abstinence_ may be for a single occasion, _abstemiousness_ is habitual _moderation_. _Self-denial_ is giving up what one wishes; _abstinence_ may be refraining from what one does not desire. _Fasting_ is _abstinence_ from food for a limited time, and generally for religious reasons. _Sobriety_ and _temperance_ signify maintaining a quiet, even temper by moderate indulgence in some things, complete _abstinence_ from others. We speak of _temperance_ in eating, but of _abstinence_ from vice. _Total abstinence_ has come to signify the entire abstaining from intoxicating liquors.

Antonyms:

drunkenness, greed, reveling, sensuality, excess, intemperance, revelry, wantonness.

gluttony, intoxication, self-indulgence,

Preposition:

The negative side of virtue is abstinence _from_ vice.