Produced by Don Kostuch

[Transcriber's Notes]
Original "misspellings" such as "fulness" are unchanged.

Unfamiliar (to me) words are defined on the right side of the page in square brackets. For example:

abstemious diet [abstemious = Eating and drinking in moderation.]

The blandness of contemporary (2006) speech would be relieved by the injection of some of these gems:

"phraseological quagmire"

"Windy speech which hits all around the mark like a drunken carpenter."

[End Transcriber's Notes]

HOW TO BUILD MENTAL POWER A book of thorough training for all the faculties of the mind. Octa cloth, $3.00, net; by mail, $3.16.

HOW TO SPEAK IN PUBLIC A practical self-instructor for lawyers, clergymen, teachers, businessmen, and others. Cloth, 543 pages, $1.50. net; by mail, $1.615.

HOW TO DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE IN SPEECH AND MANNER A book of practical inspiration: trains men to rise above mediocrity and fearthought to their great possibilities. Commended to ambitious men. Cloth. 320 pages, $1.50. net; by mail, $1.65.

HOW TO DEVELOP POWER AND PERSONALITY IN SPEAKING Practical suggestions in English, word-building, imagination, memory conversation, and extemporaneous speaking. Cloth, 422 pages, $1.50 net; by mail, $1.65.

HOW TO READ AND DECLAIM A course of instruction in reading and declamation which will develop graceful carriage, correct standing, and accurate enunciation; and will furnish abundant exercise in the use of the best examples of prose and poetry. Cloth, $1.50, net; by mail, $1.65.

GREAT SPEECHES AND HOW TO MAKE THEM In this work Mr. Kleiser points out methods by which young men may acquire and develop the essentials of forcible public speaking. Cloth $1.50, net; by mail, $1.65.

HOW TO ARGUE AND WIN Ninety-nine men in a hundred know how to argue to one who can argue and win. This book tells how to acquire this power. Cloth, 320 pages, $1.50, net; by mail, $1.65,

HUMOROUS HITS AND HOW TO HOLD AN AUDIENCE A collection of short stories, selections and sketches for all occasions. Cloth, 326 pages, $1.25, net; by mail. $1.37.

COMPLETE GUIDE TO PUBLIC SPEAKING The only extensive, comprehensive encyclopedic work of its kind ever issued. The best advice by the world's great authorities upon oratory, preaching, platform and pulpit delivery, voice-building, argumentation, debate, rhetoric, personal power, mental development, etc. Cloth, 655 pages, $5.00: by mail. $5.24.

TALKS ON TALKING Practical suggestions for developing naturalness, sincerity, and effectiveness in conversation. Cloth, $1.00, net; by mail, $1.08.

FIFTEEN THOUSAND USEFUL PHRASES A practical handbook of felicitous expressions for enriching the vocabulary. 12 mo, cloth, $1.60, net; by mail. $1.72.

INSPIRATION AND IDEALS Practical help and inspiration in right thinking and right living. 12 mo, cloth, $1.25, net: by mail, $1.37.

THE WORLD'S GREAT SERMONS Masterpieces of Pulpit Oratory and biographical sketches of the speakers. Cloth, 10 volumes. Write for terms.

GRENVILLE KLEISER'S PERSONAL LESSONS IN PUBLIC SPEAKING and the
Development of Self-Confidence, Mental Power, and Personality.
Twenty-five lessons, with special handbooks, side-talks, personal letters.
etc. Write for terms.

GRENVILLE KLEISER'S PERSONAL LESSONS IN PRACTICAL ENGLISH Twenty lessons, with Daily Drills, special books, personal letters, etc. Write for terms.

FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY NEW YORK AND LONDON 1919

COPYRIGHT, 1917, BY
FUNK & WAGNALLS COMPANY
(Printed in the United States of America)
——-
Copyright under the Articles of the Copyright
Convention of the Pan-American Republics
and the United States, August 11, 1910
———
Published. October, 1917

One cannot always live in the palaces and state apartments of language, but we can refuse to spend our days in searching for its vilest slums. —William Watson

Words without thought are dead sounds; thoughts without words are nothing.
To think is to speak low; to speak is to think aloud.
—Max Muller

The first merit which attracts in the pages of a good writer, or the talk of a brilliant conversationalist, is the apt choice and contrast of the words employed. It is indeed a strange art to take these blocks rudely conceived for the purpose of the market or the bar, and by tact of application touch them to the finest meanings and distinctions. —Robert Louis Stevenson

It is with words as with sunbeams, the more they are condensed, the deeper
they burn.
—Southey

No noble or right style was ever yet founded but out of a sincere heart.
—Ruskin

Words are things; and a small drop of ink, falling like dew upon a thought, produces that which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think. —Byron

A good phrase may outweigh a poor library.
—Thomas W. Higginson

The most powerful and the most perfect expression of thought and feeling through the medium of oral language must be traced to the mastery of words. Nothing is better suited to lead speakers and readers of English into an easy control of this language than the command of the phrase that perfectly expresses the thought. Every speaker's aim is to be heard and understood. A clear, crisp articulation holds an audience as by the spell of some irresistible power. The choice word, the correct phrase, are instruments that may reach the heart, and awake the soul if they fall upon the ear in melodious cadence; but if the utterance be harsh and discordant they fail to interest, fall upon deaf ears, and are as barren as seed sown on fallow ground. In language, nothing conduces so emphatically to the harmony of sounds as perfect phrasing—that is, the emphasizing of the relation of clause to clause, and of sentence to sentence by the systematic grouping of words. The phrase consists usually of a few words which denote a single idea that forms a separate part of a sentence. In this respect it differs from the clause, which is a short sentence that forms a distinct part of a composition, paragraph, or discourse. Correct phrasing is regulated by rests, such rests as do not break the continuity of a thought or the progress of the sense.

GRENVILLE KLEISER, who has devoted years of his diligent life to imparting the art of correct expression in speech and writing, has provided many aids for those who would know not merely what to say, but how to say it. He has taught also what the great HOLMES taught, that language is a temple in which the human soul is enshrined, and that it grows out of life—out of its joys and its sorrows, its burdens and its necessities. To him, as well as to the writer, the deep strong voice of man and the low sweet voice of woman are never heard at finer advantage than in the earnest but mellow tones of familiar speech. In the present volume Mr. Kleiser furnishes an additional and an exceptional aid for those who would have a mint of phrases at their command from which to draw when in need of the golden mean for expressing thought. Few indeed are the books fitted to-day for the purpose of imparting this knowledge, yet two centuries ago phrase-books were esteemed as supplements to the dictionaries, and have not by any manner of means lost their value. The guide to familiar quotations, the index to similes, the grammars, the readers, the machine-made letter-writer of mechanically perfect letters of congratulation or condolence—none are sententious enough to supply the need. By the compilation of this praxis, Mr. Kleiser has not only supplied it, but has furnished a means for the increase of one's vocabulary by practical methods. There are thousands of persons who may profit by the systematic study of such a book as this if they will familiarize themselves with the author's purpose by a careful reading of the preliminary pages of his book. To speak in public pleasingly and readily and to read well are accomplishments acquired only after many days, weeks even, of practise.

Foreigners sometimes reproach us for the asperity and discordance of our speech, and in general, this reproach is just, for there are many persons who do scanty justice to the vowel-elements of our language. Although these elements constitute its music they are continually mistreated. We flirt with and pirouette around them constantly. If it were not so, English would be found full of beauty and harmony of sound. Familiar with the maxim, "Take care of the vowels and the consonants will take care of themselves,"—a maxim that when put into practise has frequently led to the breaking-down of vowel values—the writer feels that the common custom of allowing "the consonants to take care of themselves" is pernicious. It leads to suppression or to imperfect utterance, and thus produces indistinct articulation.

The English language is so complex in character that it can scarcely be learned by rule, and can best be mastered by the study of such idioms and phrases as are provided in this book; but just as care must be taken to place every accent or stress on the proper syllable in the pronouncing of every word it contains, so must the stress or emphasis be placed on the proper word in every sentence spoken. To read or speak pleasingly one should resort to constant practise by doing so aloud in private, or preferably, in the presence of such persons as know good reading when they hear it and are masters of the melody of sounds. It was Dean Swift's belief that the common fluency of speech in many men and most women was due to scarcity of matter and scarcity of words. He claimed that a master of language possessed a mind full of ideas, and that before speaking, such a mind paused to select the choice word—the phrase best suited to the occasion. "Common speakers," he said, "have only one set of ideas, and one set of words to clothe them in," and these are always ready on the lips. Because he holds the Dean's view sound to-day, the writer will venture to warn the readers of this book against a habit that, growing far too common among us, should be checked, and this is the iteration and reiteration in conversation of "the battered, stale, and trite" phrases, the like of which were credited by the worthy Dean to the women of his time.

Human thought elaborates itself with the progress of intelligence. Speech is the harvest of thought, and the relation which exists between words and the mouths that speak them must be carefully observed. Just as nothing is more beautiful than a word fitly spoken, so nothing is rarer than the use of a word in its exact meaning. There is a tendency to overwork both words and phrases that is not restricted to any particular class. The learned sin in this respect even as do the ignorant, and the practise spreads until it becomes an epidemic. The epidemic word with us yesterday was unquestionably "conscription"; several months ago it was "preparedness." Before then "efficiency" was heard on every side and succeeded in superseding "vocational teaching," only to be displaced in turn by "life extension" activities. "Safety-first" had a long run which was brought almost to abrupt end by "strict accountability," but these are mere reflections of our cosmopolitan life and activities. There are others that stand out as indicators of brain-weariness. These are most frequently met in the work of our novelists.

English authors and journalists are abusing and overworking the word intrigue to-day. Sir Arthur Quillercouch on page 81 of his book "On the Art of Writing" uses it: "We are intrigued by the process of manufacture instead of being wearied by a description of the ready-made article." Mrs. Sidgwick in "Salt and Savour," page 232, wrote: "But what intrigued her was Little Mamma's remark at breakfast," From the Parliamentary news, one learns that "Mr. Harcourt intrigued the House of Commons by his sustained silence for two years" and that "London is interested in, and not a little intrigued, by the statement." This use of intrigue in the sense of "perplex, puzzle, trick, or deceive" dates from 1600. Then it fell into a state of somnolence, and after an existence of innocuous desuetude lasting till 1794 it was revived, only to hibernate again until 1894. It owes its new lease of life to a writer on The Westminster Gazette, a London journal famous for its competitions in aid of the restoring of the dead meanings of words.

One is almost exasperated by the repeated use and abuse of the word "intimate" in a recently published work of fiction, by an author who aspires to the first rank in his profession. He writes of "the intimate dimness of the room;" "a fierce intimate whispering;" "a look that was intimate;" "the noise of the city was intimate," etc. Who has not heard, "The idea!" "What's the idea?" "Is that the idea?" "Yes, that's the idea," with increased inflection at each repetition. And who is without a friend who at some time or another has not sprung "meticulous" upon him? Another example is afforded by the endemic use of "of sorts" which struck London while the writer was in that city a few years ago. Whence it came no one knew, but it was heard on every side. "She was a woman of sorts;" "he is a Tory of sorts;" "he had a religion of sorts;" "he was a critic of sorts." While it originally meant "of different or various kinds," as hats of sorts; offices of sorts; cheeses of sorts, etc., it is now used disparagingly, and implies something of a kind that is not satisfactory, or of a character that is rather poor. This, as Shakespeare might have said, is "Sodden business! There's a stewed phrase indeed!" [Footnote: Troilus and Cressida, act iii, sc. 1.]

The abuse of phrases and the misuse of words rife among us can be checked by diligent exercises in good English, such as this book provides. These exercises, in conjunction with others to be found in different volumes by the same author, will serve to correct careless diction and slovenly speech, and lead to the art of speaking and writing correctly; for, after all, accuracy in the use of words is more a matter of habit than of theory, and once it is acquired it becomes just as easy to speak or to write good English as bad English. It was Chesterfield's resolution not to speak a word in conversation which was not the fittest he could recall. All persons should avoid using words whose meanings they do not know, and with the correct application of which they are unfamiliar. The best spoken and the best written English is that which conforms to the language as used by men and women of culture—a high standard, it is true, but one not so high that it is unattainable by any earnest student of the English tongue. FRANK H. VIZETELLY.

The study of words, phrases, and literary expressions is a highly interesting pursuit. There is a reciprocal influence between thought and language. What we think molds the words we use, and the words we use react upon our thoughts. Hence a study of words is a study of ideas, and a stimulant to deep and original thinking.

We should not, however, study "sparkling words and sonorous phrases" with the object of introducing them consciously into our speech. To do so would inevitably lead to stiltedness and superficiality. Words and phrases should be studied as symbols of ideas, and as we become thoroughly familiar with them they will play an unconscious but effective part in our daily expression.

We acquire our vocabulary largely from our reading and our personal associates. The words we use are an unmistakable indication of our thought habits, tastes, ideals, and interests in life. In like manner, the habitual language of a people is a barometer of their intellectual, civil, moral, and spiritual ideals. A great and noble people express themselves in great and noble words.

Ruskin earnestly counsels us to form the habit of looking intensely at words. We should scrutinize them closely and endeavor to grasp their innermost meaning. There is an indefinable satisfaction in knowing how to choose and use words with accuracy and precision. As Fox once said, "I am never at a loss for a word, but Pitt always has the word."

All the great writers and orators have been diligent students of words. Demosthenes and Cicero were indefatigable in their study of language. Shakespeare, "infinite in faculty," took infinite pains to embody his thought in words of crystal clearness. Coleridge once said of him that one might as well try to dislodge a brick from a building with one's forefinger as to omit a single word from one of his finest passages.

Milton, master of majestic prose, under whose touch words became as living things; Flaubert, who believed there was one and one only best word with which to express a given thought; De Quincey, who exercised a weird-like power over words; Ruskin, whose rhythmic prose enchanted the ear; Keats, who brooded over phrases like a lover; Newman, of pure and melodious style; Stevenson, forever in quest of the scrupulously precise word; Tennyson, graceful and exquisite as the limpid stream; Emerson, of trenchant and epigrammatic style; Webster, whose virile words sometimes weighed a pound; and Lincoln, of simple, Saxon speech,—all these illustrious men were assiduous in their study of words.

Many persons of good education unconsciously circumscribe themselves within a small vocabulary. They have a knowledge of hundreds of desirable words which they do not put into practical use in their speech or writing. Many, too, are conscious of a poverty of language, which engenders in them a sense of timidity and self-depreciation. The method used for building a large vocabulary has usually been confined to the study of single words. This has produced good results, but it is believed that eminently better results can be obtained from a careful study of words and expressions, as furnished in this book, where words can be examined in their context.

It is intended and suggested that this study should be pursued in connection with, and as a supplement to, a good standard dictionary. Fifteen minutes a day devoted to this subject, in the manner outlined, will do more to improve and enlarge the vocabulary than an hour spent in desultory reading.

There is no better way in which to develop the mental qualities of clearness, accuracy, and precision, and to improve and enlarge the intellectual powers generally, than by regular and painstaking study of judiciously selected phrases and literary expressions.

First examine the book in a general way to grasp its character, scope, and purpose. Carefully note the following plan of classification of the various kinds of phrases, and choose for initial study a section which you think will be of the most immediate value to you.

There are many advantages in keeping before you a definite purpose in your study of this book. A well-defined plan will act as an incentive to regular and systematic effort, and incidentally develop your power of concentration.

It is desirable that you set apart a certain convenient time each day for this study. Regularity tends to produce maximum results. As you progress with this work your interest will be quickened and you will realize the desirability of giving more and more time to this important subject.

When you have chosen a section of the book which particularly appeals to you, begin your actual study by reading the phrases aloud. Read them slowly and understandingly. This tends to impress them more deeply upon your mind, and is in itself one of the best and most practical ways of acquiring a large and varied vocabulary. Moreover, the practise of fitting words to the mouth rapidly develops fluency and facility of speech.

Few persons realize the great value of reading aloud. Many of the foremost English stylists devoted a certain period regularly to this practise. Cardinal Newman read aloud each day a chapter from Cicero as a means of developing his ear for sentence-rhythm. Rufus Choate, in order to increase his command of language, and to avoid sinking into mere empty fluency, read aloud daily, during a large part of his life, a page or more from some great English author. As a writer has said, "The practise of storing the mind with choice passages from the best prose writers and poets, and thus flavoring it with the essence of good literatures, is one which is commended both by the best teachers and by the example of some of the most celebrated orators, who have adopted it with signal success."

This study should be pursued with pencil in hand, so that you may readily underscore phrases which make a special appeal to you. The free use of a pencil in marking significant parts of a book is good evidence of thoroughness. This, too, will facilitate your work of subsequent review.

The habit of regularly copying, in your own handwriting, one or more pages of phrases will be of immense practical value. This exercise is a great aid in developing a facile English style. The daily use of the pen has been recommended in all times as a valuable means of developing oral and literary expression.

A helpful exercise is to pronounce a phrase aloud and then fit it into a complete sentence of your own making. This practice gives added facility and resourcefulness in the use of words.

As an enthusiastic student of good English, you should carefully note striking and significant phrases or literary expressions which you find in your general reading. These should be set down in a note-book reserved for this exclusive purpose. In this way you can prepare many lists of your own, and thus greatly augment the value of this study.

The taste for beauty, truth, and harmony in language can be developed by careful study of well-selected phrases and literary expressions as furnished in this book. A good literary style is formed principally by daily study of great English writers, by careful examination of words in their context, and by a discriminating use of language at all times.

GRENVILLE KLEISER.
New York City, July, 1917

abandoned hope

abated pride

abbreviated visit

abhorred thraldom [thraldom = enslaved or in bondage]

abiding romance

abject submission

abjured ambition

able strategist

abnormal talents

abominably perverse

abounding happiness

abridged statement

abrogated law

abrupt transition

absolutely irrevocable

absorbed reverie

abstemious diet [abstemious = eating and drinking in moderation]

abstract character

abstruse reasoning

absurdly dangerous

abundant opportunity

abusive epithet

abysmally apologetic

academic rigor

accelerated progress

accentuated playfulness

accepted littleness

accessible pleasures

accessory circumstances

accidental lapse

accommodating temper

accomplished ease

accredited agent

accumulated burden

accurate appraisement

accursed enemy

accusing glance

accustomed lucidity

aching desire

acknowledged authority

acoustical effects

acquired timidity

acrid controversy

acrimonious warfare

actively zealous

actualized ideals

acutely conscious

adamantine rigidity [adamantine = unyielding; inflexible]

adaptive wit

adduced facts [adduce = cite as an example]

adequate execution

adhesive quality

administered rebuke

admirable reserve

admissible evidence

admittedly inferior

admonitory gesture

adolescent youth

adorable vanity

adroit flatterer

adulated stranger

adventitious way [adventitious = not inherent; added extrinsically]

adventurous mind

adverse experience

affably accommodating

affected indifference

affectionate approval

affianced lady

affirmative attitude

affluent language

affrighted slave

aggravated faults

aggregate body

aggressive selfishness

agile mind

agitated imagination

agonizing appeal

agreeable frankness

aimless confusion

airy splendor

alarming rapidity

alert acceptance

algebraic brevity

alien splendor

alleged reluctance

allegorical vein

allied subjects

alliterative suggestion

all-pervading influence

alluring idleness

alternating opinion

altogether dissimilar

altruistic ideal

amatory effusions [amatory = expressive of sexual love]

amazing artifice

ambidextrous assistant

ambiguous grimace

ambitious project

ambling pedestrian

ambrosial essence [ambrosial = fragrant or delicious; worthy of the gods; divine.]

amiable solicitude

amicable arrangement

amorous youth

ample culture

amusing artlessness

analogous example

analytical survey

ancestral creed

ancient garb

angelic softness

angry protestations

anguished entreaty

angular features

animated eloquence

annoying complications

anomalous appearance

anonymous benefactor

answering response

antagonistic views

antecedent facts

anticipated attention

antiquated prudery

anxious misgiving

apathetic greeting

aphoristic wit [aphoristic = Tersely phrased statement]

apish agility

apocalyptic vision

apocryphal lodger [apocryphal = questionable authenticity]

apologetic explanation

apostrophic dignity

appalling difficulties

apparent significance

appealing picture

appointed function

apposite illustration

appreciable relief

appreciative fervor

apprehensive dread

apprentice touch

appropriate designation

approving smile

approximately correct

aptly suggested

arbitrarily imposed

arch conspirator

arched embrasure [embrasure = flared opening for a gun in a wall or parapet]

archeological pursuits

architectural grandeur

ardent protest

arduous quest

arid formula

aristocratic lineage

aromatic fragrance

arrant trifling

arrested development

arrogant imposition

artful adaptation

artificial suavity

artistic elegance

artless candor

ascending supremacy

ascetic devotion

ascribed productiveness

aspiring genius

assembled arguments

asserted activity

assiduously cultivated

assimilative power

assumed humiliation

assuredly enshrined

astonishing facility

astounding mistakes

astute observer

athletic prowess

atmospheric vagueness

atoning sacrifice

atrocious expression

atrophied view

attending circumstances

attentive deference

attenuated sound

attested loyalty

attractive exordium [exordium = introduction of a speech or treatise]

audacious mendicant [mendicant = depending on alms; beggar]

audible intimations

augmented force

august tribunal

auspicious moment

austere charm

authentic indications

authoritative critic

autobiographical pages

autocratic power

automatic termination

autumnal skies

auxiliary aids

available data

avaricious eyes

avenging fate

average excellence

averted calamity

avowed intention

awakened curiosity

awed devotion

awful dejection

awkward dilemma

axiomatic truth

azure sky

babbling gossip

bacchanalian desires

bachelor freedom

bad omen

baffled sagacity [sagacity = farsighted; wise]

balanced capacity

baldly described

baleful glances

balmy fragrance

bandying talk

baneful impression

banished silence

barbarous statecraft

barefaced appeal

barest commonplaces

barren opportunities

base intrigues

baseless assumptions

bashful modesty

basic principles

battered witticism

beaming countenance

bearish rudeness

beatific vision

beautiful modesty

beckoning horizon

becoming diffidence

bedraggled wretch

befitting honor

beggarly flimsiness

beguiling voice

belated acknowledgment

belittling fears

bellicose humanity

beneficent career

benevolent regard

benighted sense

benignant pity [benignant = favorable; beneficial; kind]

beseeching gesture

besetting heresy

besotted fanaticism

bestial ferocity

bewildering maze

bewitching airs

beyond peradventure [peradventure = perhaps]

bibulous diversions [bibulous = consumes alcoholic drink]

bigoted contempt

binding obligation

bitter recrimination

bizarre apparel

blackening west

blameless indolence

blanched desolation

bland confidence

blank misgivings

blasphemous hypocrisy

blatant discourse

blazing audacity

blazoned shield

bleak loneliness

blended impression

blessed condolence

blighted happiness

blind partizan

blissful consciousness

blistering satire

blithe disregard

bloated equivalent

bloodless creature

bloodthirsty malice

blundering discourtesy

blunt rusticity [rusticity = rustic; awkward or tactless]

blurred vision

blustering assertion

boastful positiveness

bodily activity

boisterous edification

bold generalization

bombastic prating [prating = idle talk]

bookish precision

boon companion

boorish abuse

bored demeanor

borrowed grace

bottomless abyss

boundless admiration

bountiful supply

boyish appreciation

braggart pretense

bravely vanquished

braying trumpet

brazen importunity [importunity = insistent request]

breathless eagerness

brief tenure

briefless barrister

bright interlude

brilliant embodiment

brisk energy

bristling temper

brittle sarcasm

broadening fame

broken murmurs

brooding peace

brutal composure

bubbling frivolities

bucolic cudgeling [bucolic = about shepherds or flocks; pastoral] [cudgeling = beat with a short heavy stick]

budding joy

bulky figure

buoyant pluck

burdensome business

burly strength

burning zeal

bursting laugh

busily engrossed

business acumen

bygone period

cabalistic phrase [cabalistic = secret or hidden meaning]

cadaverous appearance

calamitous course

calculating admiration

callous indifference

calm resignation

calumnious suspicions [calumnious = harmful and often untrue; discredit]

cantankerous enemy

canting hypocrite [canting = monotonous platitudes; hypocritically pious]

capacious mind

capricious allurements

captivating speech

cardinal merit

careless parrying

caressing grasp

carping critic

castellated towers [castellated = with turrets and battlements like a castle]

casual violation

cataclysmic elements

causelessly frightened

caustic remark

cautious skepticism

cavernous gloom

ceaseless vigilance

celebrated instance

celestial joy

censorious critic

centralized wealth

ceremonious courtesy

cerulean blue [cerulean = azure; sky-blue]

challenge admiration

chance reflections

changing exigencies [exigencies = pressing or urgent situation]

chaotic plans

characteristic audacity

charitable allowance

charming radiance

chary instincts [chary = cautious; wary]

chastened hope

chatty familiarity

cheap resentment

cheery response

chequered career

cherished objects

childlike ingenuousness [ingenuous = frank; candid.]

chilled cynicism

chirpy familiarities

chivalrous spirit

choicest refinements

choleric temperament [choleric = easily angered; bad-tempered]

choral chant

chronic frailties

churlish temper [churlish = boorish; vulgar; rude]

circling eddyings

circuitous information

circumscribed purpose

civic consciousness

civilizing influence

clammy death

clamorous vibration

clangorous industry

clarion tone

class demarcations

classical objurgation [objurgation = harsh rebuke]

clattering accents

clear insight

climactic revelation

clinching proof

cloaked nature

cloistered virtue

close condensation

cloudy magnificence

clownishly insensible

cloying sweetness [cloying = too filling, rich, or sweet]

clumsy talk

clustering trees

coarse necessity

coaxing eloquence

coercive enactment

cogent statement

coherent thinking

coined metaphor

cold formalities

collateral duties

collective wisdom

colloquial display

colonial character

colossal failure

comatose state

combative tone

comforting reassurance

comic infelicity

commanding attitude

commendable purpose

commercial opulence

commingled emotion

commodiously arranged

common substratum

commonplace allusions

compact fitness

comparative scantiness

compassionate love

compelling force

compendious abstract

compensatory character

competent authority

competitive enterprise

complacent platitudes

complaining sea

complaisant observation

complete aloofness

complex notions

complicated maze

complimentary glance

component aspects

composed zeal

composite growth

compound idea

comprehensive design

compressed view

compromising rashness

compulsory repetition

compunctious visitings [compunctious = feeling guilt]

concatenated pedantries [pedantries = attention to detail or rules]

concealed advantage

conceivable comparison

concentrated vigor

concerted action

conciliating air

concomitant events

concrete realities

concurrent testimony

condemnable rashness

condescending badinage [badinage = frivolous banter]

conditional approval

confessed ardor

confidently anticipated

confirmed misanthrope [misanthrope = one who dislikes people in general]

conflicting influences

confused mingling

conjectural estimate

conjugal felicity

connected series

connotative damage

connubial love

conquering intelligence

conscientious objection

conscious repugnance

consecrated endeavor

consequent retribution

conservative distrust

considerate hint

consistent friendliness

consoling consciousness

conspicuous ascendency

constant reiteration

constitutional reserve

constrained politeness

constructive idealists

consuming zeal

consummate mastery

contagious wit

contaminating influence

contemplative nature

contemporary fame

contemptuous disrespect

contented indolence

contingent reasons

continuous endeavor

contorted expression

contracted view

contradictory theories

contrary tendencies

contrasted types

controversial disputant

contumelious epithet [contumelious = Rudeness or contempt arising from arrogance]

convenient footing

conventional verbiage

conversational decorum

convincing forcefulness

convivial habits

convulsive agony

cool confidence

copious materials

coquettish advances

cordial approval

corporate selfishness

corporeal constituent

correct forecast

corresponding variation

corroborated truth

corrosive effect

corrupting tendency

cosmical changes

cosmopolitan position

costly advantages

counterbalancing power

countless barriers

courageous eagerness

courteous solicitude

courtly bearing

covert curiosity

coveted honors

cowardly concession

cowering agitation

coy reluctance

crackling laughter

crafty deception

craggy eminence

cramped energies

crass stolidity

craven determination

creative faculty

credibly informed

creditable performance

credulous superstition

creeping progress

criminal negligence

cringing smile

crisp dialogue

critical judgment

crouching culprit

crowning indiscretion

crucial instance

crucifying irony

crude affectation

cruel handicap

crumbling precipice

crunching jangle

crushing sorrow

cryptic saying

crystalline sky

crystallized conclusions

culinary myrmidons [myrmidon = one who carries out orders without question]

culminating fascination

culpable behavior

cultivated ferocity

cultured idleness

cumbrous fragments [cumbrous = cumbersome; difficult to handle or use]

cumulative tendency

cunningly contrived

curbed profligacy

curious coincidence

current gossip

curry favor

cursed inactivity

cursory acquaintance

curt formality

curtained embrasure

cutting directness

cycloramic sweep

cynical disregard

damaging admission

damask cheek [damask = rich patterned fabric; wavy pattern on Damascus steel]

dampened ardor

dancing sunshine

dangerous temerity

dappled shadows

daring candor

dark superstition

dashing gallantry

dastardly injustice

dauntless courage

dawning instinct

dazed brain

dazzling triumph

deadly virulence

deaf tribunal

deathless structure

debasing tendency

debatable point

debilitating features

decadent poets

deceiving mists

decided superiority

decisive manner

declamatory treatment [declamatory = pretentiously rhetorical; bombastic]

declared brotherhood

decorously adorned

deepening dusk

deep-seated curiosity

deep-toned lamentations

defective construction

defenseless innocence

defensive alliance

deferential regard

defiant coldness

deficient vitality

definite conception

deformed visage

deft evasion

degrading tendencies

delectable speculations

delegated power

deliberate abnegation [abnegation = self-denial]

delicate discrimination

delicious vagueness

delightful variation

delirious ecstasies

delusive charm

demagogic style

democratic institutions

demoniacal force

demonstrable conclusion

demoralizing luxury

demure composure

denunciatory terms

departed glories

deplorable decay

deprecatory shrug

depressing concomitants

depthless forest

derisive voice

derogatory denial

descriptive power

desecrated ideals

deserted desert

deserved approbation [approbation = warm approval; praise]

desirable distinction

desolating dread

despairing austerity

desperate defiance

despicable vices

despondent exaggeration

despotic rulers

destructive radicalism

desultory vacillation [desultory = disconnected; haphazard; random]

detailed portraiture

detected hypocrisies

determinate swing

detestable purpose

dethroned princes

detrimental result

devastating effect

devilish sophistries

deviously subtle

devitalized personality

devoted attachment

devouring ambition

devout thanksgiving

dewy coolness

dexterous impudence

diabolical passion

dialectic power

diametrically opposite

dictatorial manner

dictionary significance

didactic exposition [didactic = intended to be morally instructive]

different distortion

difficult portraiture

diffident civility [diffident = lacking self-confidence; shy; timid]

diffuse verbosity

dignified austerity

digressional adventure

dilettante mind [dilettante = dabbler in a field of knowledge]

diligently propagated

dim comprehension

diminished efficacy

diminutive stature

diplomatic skill

dire consummation

direct obligation

disappointing attitude

disarmed criticism

disastrous termination

discarded reminiscences

discerning critic

disciplined mind

disclosed insincerity

discomfited opponent

disconcerted conjecture

disconnected fancies

disconsolate opinions

discordant sounds

discredited statement

discretional opinion

discriminating homage

discursive staggerings

disdainful comment

diseased hallucinations

disembodied personality

disengaged air

disfiguring disguise

disgraceful plight

disgruntled pessimist

disguised contempt

disgusted protest

disheartening facts

dishonorable submission

disillusioned youth

disintegrating tendency

disinterested motive

disjoined reminiscences

dismal seclusion

dismantled appearance

disordered imagination

disparaging criticism

dispassionate judgment

dispelling fear

displeasing softness

disproportionate ideas

disputative philosopher

disquieting thrill

disreputable aspect

dissenting opinion

dissimilar laws

dissipated illusion

dissolute audacity

dissolving years

dissonant jargon

distant adherent

distasteful notion

distempered feeling

distinct desideratum

distorted vanity

distracting babble

distraught air

distressing laxity

disturbed equanimity

diurnal rotation

divergent calculations

diversified attributes

diverting interests

divine potentialities

dizzy precipice

documentary evidence

dogged determination

doggerel expressions [doggerel = crude, humorous verse]

dogmatic assurance

doleful forebodings

domestic endearment

dominating influence

domineering insolence

dormant capacities

doubly odious

doubtful authenticity

downright nonsense

downtrodden drudge

drab apology

dramatic liveliness

drastic action

dread presence

dreaming adventurer

dreamless rest

dreary disrelish

droll incongruity

droning world

drowsy tranquillity

dubious success

ductile language

dulcet tone

dull aversion

dumb surprise

dumbfounded amazement

durable impression

dusky obscurity

dutiful compliance

dynamic energy

dynastic insolence

eager animosity

early servitude

earnestly espoused

earthly splendor

easy garrulity [garrulity = excessive talkativeness]

eccentric casuists [casuistry = excessively subtle reasoning intended to mislead]

ecclesiastical rule

echoless silence

economic absurdity

ecstatically happy

edifying exhortation

educational enterprise

effective embellishment

effectual stimulus

effeminate grace

effervescent multitude

effete aristocracy

efficacious power

efficient education

efflorescent style [efflorescent = bursting into flower]

effulgent daybeams [effulgent = radiating light]

egoistic sentiment

egregious mistake [egregious = outrageously reprehensible]

ejaculatory prayer

elaborate composition

elastic ductility

electric effluvium [effluvium = invisible emanation; an aura]

elegant mediocrity

elemental emotions

elephantine footsteps

elevated enjoyment

elfish grace

eloquent refutation

elusive charm

emancipating labors

embarrassing variety

embellished truths

embittered gaze

emblazoned pinnacles

embryo enterprise

emerald scintillations

eminent nonentity

emotional warmth

emotive power

emphatic earnestness

empirical corroboration

empty phraseology

emulative zeal

enamored troubadour

enchanted garden

encircling embrace

endearing appellation [appellation = name, title; act of naming]

endless dissertation

enduring charm

energetic enthusiasm

enervating humility [enervating = weaken or destroy the strength]

enfeebled activity

enforced silence

engaging affability

engendered feelings

engrossing purpose

engulfing waters

enhanced reputation

enigmatical silence

enlightened solicitude

enlivened monotony

ennobling personality

enormously outbalanced

enraptured attention

enriched experience

entangled subject

enthralling charm

enthusiastic adherents

enticing odors

entire domain

entrancing sadness

enveloping presence

envenomed attacks

enviable superiority

environing conditions

ephemeral duration [ephemeral = markedly short-lived]

epicurean taste

epigrammatic sallies [epigrammatic = terse and witty]

equable composure

equally efficacious

equitably governed

equivocal compliment

erotic poem

errant thoughts

erratic flight

erroneous assumption

erudite labors [erudite = having or showing profound knowledge]

eruptive violence

esoteric doctrine

especial pleasure

essential prerequisite

estimable qualities

eternal hostility

ethereal azure

ethical wisdom

euphuistic affectations [euphuistic = affected elegance of language]

evanescent glances [evanescent = vanishing like vapor]

evangelic doctrine

evasive answer

eventful circumstance

eventual failure

everlasting mysteries

everyday reality

evident authority

evil necromancy [necromancy = communicating with the dead to predict the future; black magic; sorcery]

eviscerating shrieks

exact antithesis

exacting taskmaster

exaggerated estimate

exalted imagination

exasperating coolness

exceedingly acceptable

excellent discernment

exceptional magnitude

excessive zeal

excitable temperament

exclusive pursuit

excretory secretion

excruciating accents

excursive fancy

execrable villainy [execrable = hateful; extremely inferior; very bad]

executive efficiency

exemplary conduct

exhaustless energy

exhilarating charm

exoteric scorn [exoteric = easily comprehensible; popular; outside]

exotic appearance

expansive benevolence

expectant throng

expeditionary force

expeditiously secreted

experimental suggestion

expiatory sacrifices

explicit injunction

explosive violence

expressionless visage

expressive lineaments [lineaments = distinctive shape, especially of the face]

exquisite tact

extemporaneous effusion

extended magnitude

extenuating circumstance

external cheerfulness

extraneous ideas

extraordinary vivacity

extravagant caprice

extremely picturesque

exuberant mirth

exultant condition

facetious mood

facile criticism

factitious propensity

faded magnificence

faintly sinister

faithfully perpetuated

fallacious hopes

false illusions

faltering tongue

familiar sacredness

famished voracity

fanatical admiration

fanciful alliance

fantastic display

farcical expedient

far-reaching influence

fascinating illusiveness

fashioned symmetrically

fastidious taste

fatal disclosure

fatalistic belief

fathomless powers

fatiguing assertion

fattening servitude

fatuous pedantry [pedantry = attention to detail or rules]

faultless taste

favorable augury

fawning flatteries

fearful imprecations

fearless integrity

feasible mode

feeble dribble

feigned reluctance

felicitous expression

feminine capriciousness

ferocious foe

fertile fancy

fervent invocation

fervid enthusiasm

festive illuminations

fetid dampness

fettered tyranny

feverish bewilderment

fickle fancy

fictitious pretext

fidgety impatience

fierce resentment

fiery indignation

figurative eloquence

filial tenderness

final enthronement

fine sensibilities

finished artistry

fireside delights

fitful desire

fitting opportunity

fizzing flame

flaccid faith

flagging popularity

flagitious attack [flagitious = extremely brutal or cruel crimes; vicious; infamous]

flagrant boasting

flamboyant brilliancy

flaming zeal

flashing wit

flat denial

flattering aspect

flaunting insolence

flawless constitution

fleecy clouds

fleeting intimation

flickering conscience

flighty obstinacy

flimsy organization

flippant ease

floating blackness

florid oratory [florid = ornate; flowery]

flowery circumlocution

flowing imagery

fluctuating light

fluent sophist

fluffy indignation

fluid ideas

flushed embarrassment

fluttering laugh

focused attention

foggy notion

fond enthusiast

foolish frenzy

forbearing silence

forbidding air

forceful audacity

foregone conclusion

foremost opponent

forensic orator

forest stillness

forgotten graveyard

forlorn desolation

formal acquiescence

formidable barrier

formless jottings

formulated conclusions

fortified selfishness

fortuitous circumstance

foul calumny [calumny = maliciously lying to injure a reputation]

fragile form

fragmentary facts

fragrant reminiscence

frail craft

frank admiration

frantic ardor

fraternal pity

freakish humor

freeborn soul

freezing disdain

frenzied haste

frequent digression

fresh impetus

freshening breeze

fretful discontent

friendly familiarity

frightened sense

frightful apparition

frigid disdain

frisky lightness

frivolous expedient

frolicsome extravagance

frozen wonder

fructifying thought [fructifying = make fruitful or productive]

fruitful indignation

fruitless repining

fugitive thoughts

full plenitude

fulsome praise

fumbling endeavor

functional disparity

fundamental principles

funereal gloom

furious invective [invective = abusive language]

furrowed cheeks

furtive glance

fussy enthusiasms

futile babble

gabbling reminiscences [gabbling = speak rapidly or incoherently; jabber]

galling thought

galvanic jumpings

gaping chasm

garbled information

garish decorations

garnered experience

gathering gloom

gaudy embellishments

gaunt specter

gay defiance

general acclamation

generative influence

generic characteristics

generous abundance

genial tolerance

genteel parlance

gentle blandishments [blandishments = coax by flattery]

gentlemanly personage

genuine cynicism

geological enigma

geometrical progression

germinal idea

ghastly loneliness

ghostly apparitions

giant height

giddy pleasure

gifted intelligence

gigantic sagacity [sagacity = discerning, sound in judgment; wisdom.]

girlish sprightliness

gladdening influence

gladiatorial exercise

gladsome glow

glaring impropriety

glassy smoothness

gleaming escutcheon [escutcheon = shield-shaped emblem bearing a coat of arms]

gleeful spirit

glibly condoned

gliding measures

glimmering idea

glistening dewdrop

glittering epigram

gloomy musing

glorious freedom

glossed faults

glowering countenance

glowing anticipations

gnawing thoughts

godlike independence

golden opportunity

good-humored gibes

gorgeous splendor

gossiping opinion

governing impulse

graceful demeanor

gracious immunity

graduated sequence

grandiose nomenclature

graphic portrayal

grasping credulity

gratuitous rudeness

grave reticence

greedy grasp

gregarious humanity

grievously mistaken

grim swiftness

grinding despotism

grinning ghosts

griping fascination

grizzled warrior

gross exaggeration

grotesque perversion

groundless fear

groveling servility

growing tension

grudging thanks

grumbling monotone

guileless zeal

gullible humanity

gurgling brooks

gushing enthusiasm

gusty clamor

guttural incoherence

gymnastic agility

habitual deference

hackneyed statement

hairbreadth difference

halcyon innocence [halcyon = tranquil; prosperous; golden]

hallowed stillness

halting praise

hampered power

handsomely recompensed

haphazard ostentation

happy intuition

harassing anxiety

hardened indifference

harmless mirth

harmonious grace

harrowing details

harsh jarrings

hasty generalization

hateful malignity

haughty composure

haunting despair

hazardous enterprise

hazy recollection

headlong vehemence

healthful vitality

heartfelt amity

heartless perfidy [perfidy = breach of faith; treachery]

heartrending outcry

hearty contempt

heated discussion

heathen hordes

heavenly ecstasies

heavy handicap

hectic tittering

hectoring rant

heedless love

heightened charm

heinous enormity

helpless innocence

herculean monster

hereditary arrogance

heretical opinions

hermetically sealed

heroic fortitude

hesitating courage

heterogeneous mass

hidden pitfalls

hideous phantom

high-flying theories

highly meritorious

hilarious outburst

hillside mist

hissing murmur

historic edifice

hoarded vengeance

hoary antiquity

hollow joys

homebred virtues

homeless wind

homely pathos

homespun play

homicidal mania

homogeneous whole

honest admiration

honeyed eloquence

hooligan wind

hopelessly befogged

horrible swiftness

horrid significance

hortatory moonshine

hospitable courtesy

hostile partizan

hot frenzy

hovering presence

howling chaos

huddled faculties

huge aspiration

human derelict

humanitarian impulse

humbly propitiating [propitiating = appeasing]

humdrum inconsistencies

humid luster

humiliating discomfiture

humorless variety

humorous urbanity

hungry satisfaction

hurrying years

hurtful indulgence

hushed laughter

husky shrillness

hybrid emotions

hypnotic fascination

hypochondriacal terrors

hypocritical pretense

hysterical agitation

iconoclastic attitude

icy smile

idealistic type

identical mode

idiomatic propriety

idiotic obstinacy

idle jesting

idolatrous fervor

idyllic nonsense

ignoble domination

ignominious retreat

ill-concealed impatience

illiberal superstition

illimitable progression

illiterate denizens

illogical interruption

illuminating insight

illusive touch

illustrative anecdote

illustrious era

imaginative warmth

imbittered controversy

immaterial connection

immature dissent

immeasurable scorn

immediate abjuration [abjuration = renounce under oath]

immemorial bulwark

immense complacency

imminent perplexities

immitigable contempt

immoderate grief

immortal creation

immovably silent

immutable law

impaired prestige

impalpable nothingness

impartial justice

impassable serenity

impassioned impulse

impatient yearning

impeccable felicity

impecunious exile

impelling movement

impending fate

impenetrable calmness

imperative necessity

imperceptible deviation

imperfect equipment

imperial authority

imperious mind [imperious = arrogantly domineering or overbearing]

imperishable renown

impersonal compliment

impertinent drollery

imperturbable gravity

impetuous zeal

impious defiance

impish humor

implacable resentment

implicit faith

implied concealment

implored pardon

imponderable air

important epoch

importunate questions [importunate = insistent request]

imposing mien [mien = manner revealing a state of mind; appearance or aspect]

impossible contingency

impotent desperation

impoverished age

impracticable obstinacy

impregnable fortress

impressionistic stroke

imprisoning limitations

improbable conjecture

impromptu utterance

improvising powers

imprudent indebtedness

impudent knowingness

impulsive gratitude

inaccessible dignity

inadequate appreciation

inadmissible expression

inadvertent remark

inalienable right

inanimate existence

inapposite blandness [inapposite = inappropriate or misapplied nature]

inaptly designated

inarticulate lispings

inaugural discourse

inborn refinement

inbred taste

incalculable mischief

incarnate hate

incendiary opinions

incessant volume

incidental duty

incipient fancy

incisive critic

incoherent loquacity [loquacity = very talkative]

incommunicable gift

incomparable excellence

incompletely apprehended

inconceivable absurdity

incongruous contrast

inconsiderable trifle

inconsistent conduct

inconsolable cares

incontestable inference

incontrovertible proof

incorrigible merriment

incorruptible constancy

increasing clamor

incredible swiftness

indecent saturnalia [saturnalia = unrestrained revelry; an orgy]

indecorously amused

indefatigable diligence [indefatigable = tireless]

indefeasible title [indefeasible = cannot be annulled]

indefinable reluctance

indefinite yearning

indelible obligation

indelicate impetuosity

indented outline

independent research

indescribably lugubriou [lugubriou = exaggerated gloom]

indestructible atoms

indeterminable value

indifferent promise

indigenous growth

indignant denunciation

indirect interrogation

indiscriminate censure

indispensable requisites

indisputable chronicler

indissoluble compact

indistinct association

individual valor

indivisible aspects

indolent neglect

indomitable pride

indubitable signs

indulgent construction

indwelling delight

ineffable disdain

ineffaceable incongruity [ineffaceable = indelible]

ineffectual blandishment

ineradicable coquetry

inestimable honor

inevitable corollary

inexcusable laughter

inexhaustible abundance

inexorable authority [inexorable = incapable of being persuaded]

inexplicable reluctance

inexpressible benignity

inextricable confusion

infallible judgment

infamous pretense

infantile simplicity

infectious hilarity

infelicitous arrangement

inferential method

infernal machinations

infinite deference

infinitesimal gradations

infirm purpose

inflamed curiosity

inflated optimism

inflexible integrity

influential voice

informing feature

infuriated demagogues

ingenious trick

inglorious victory

ingrained love

ingratiating exterior

inharmonious prelude

inherent dignity

inherited anxieties

inimitable felicity

iniquitous fortune

initiatory period

injudicious yielding

injured conceit

inky blackness

inmost recesses

innate forbearance

inner restlessness

innocent amenities

innocuous desuetude [desuetude = state of disuse or inactivity]

innovating spirit

inoffensive copiousness

inopportune condition

inordinate ambition

inquisitional rack

inquisitive observer

insatiable vanity

inscrutable austerity

insecure truce

insensate barbarism

insensibly flattered

inseparably associated

insidious tendency

insignificant blot

insincere profession

insinuatingly pursued

insipid tameness

insistent babel

insolent placidity

insoluble riddles

inspiring achievement

inspiriting spectacle

instant readiness

instantaneous cessations

instinctive disapproval

insufferably dull

insufficient appeal

insular strength

insulting invectives [invective = abusive language]

insuperable difficulty

insurmountable obstacles

intangible something

integral element

intellectual integrity

intelligent adaptation

intemperate scorn

intense perplexity

intensive cultivation

intentional garbling

interior spirit

interlocking directorate

intermediate link

interminable question

intermingled gloom

intermittent threats

internal dissension

interpolated speech

interpretative criticism

interwoven thread

intimately allied

intolerably tedious

intoxicating hum

intractable temper

intrenched privilege

intrepid dexterity

intricate interlacings

intriguing braggart

intrinsic fecundity [fecundity = productive or creative power]

intrusive brightness

intuitive perception

invaluable composition

invariable kindness

inveighing incessantly [inveighing = angry disapproval]

inventive jealousy

inveterate antipathy

invidious mention [invidious = rousing ill will or resentment]

invigorating discipline

invincible optimism

inviolable confidence

involuntary yearnings

involuted sentences [involuted = intricate; complex]

involved pomposity

invulnerable solemnity

inward disinclination

irascible doggedness

irate remonstrance

iridescent sheen

irksome task

iron resolution

ironic iciness

irradiating spirit