making a reference to the place where the modified signification will
be found.[1] But in order to prevent needless extension, I have, in general, omitted conjugate words,[2] which are so obviously derivable from those that are given in the same place, that the reader may
safely be left to form them for himself. This is the case with adverbs
derived from adjectives by the simple addition of the terminal
syllable -ly ; such as closely, carefully, safely, &c., from close, careful,
safe, &c., and also with adjectives or participles immediately derived
from the verbs which are already given. In all such cases, an ' &c.'
indicates that reference is understood to be made to these i-oots.ij:
I have observed the same rule in compiling the Index ; retaining
only the primary or more simple word, and omitting the conjugate
words obviously derived from them. Thus I assume the word shan't
as the representative of its immediate derivatives shortness, shorten,
shortening, shortened, shorter, shortly, which would have had the same
references, and which the reader can readily supply. [3]
The same verb is frequently used indiscriminately either in the active or transitive, or in the neuter or intransitive sense. In these cases, I have generally not thought it worth while to increase the bulk of the Work by the needless repetition of that word ; for the reader, whom I suppose to understand the use of the words, must also be presumed to be competent to apply them correctly.
There are a multitude of words of a specific character which, although they properly occupy places in the columns of a dictionary, yet, having no relation to general ideas, do not come within the scope of this compilation, and are consequently omitted.[4] The names of objects in Natural History, and technical terms belonging exclusively to Science or to Art, or relating to particular operations, and of which the signification is restricted to those specific objects, come under this category. Exceptions must, however, be made in favour of such words as admit of metaphorical application to general subjects, with which custom has associated
- ↑ [See Editor's Preface, p. ix.]
- ↑ By 'conjugate or paronymoxis words is meant, correctly speaking, different parts of speech from the same root, which exactly correspond in point of meaning.' — A Selection of English SynoJiyms, edited by Archbishop Whately. X [The author's practice, in this respect, has been followed in the present edition, and a reference to the group of adjectives, verbs, or other roots, has been added, where such suggestion has been thought expedient.]
- ↑ [See note in p. xviii.]
- ↑ [The author did not in all cases rigidly adhere to this rule ; and the editor has thought himself justified both in retaining and in adding some words of the specific character here mentioned, which may be occasionally in request by general writers.]
