"Each of these words, implies, resistance; but, that of 'conquer', refers to victory over enemies; and is, generally, used in the literal sense: that of 'subdue', is more applicable to our passions; being, oftener, used in a figurative; and means, a bringing under subjection: that of 'overcome', supposes efforts, against any obstacle that opposes; meaning, rather, to surmount."
— Trusler, John (1735-1820)
Author
Place of Publication
London
Publisher
Printed for J. Dodsley
Date
1766
Metaphor
"Each of these words, implies, resistance; but, that of 'conquer', refers to victory over enemies; and is, generally, used in the literal sense: that of 'subdue', is more applicable to our passions; being, oftener, used in a figurative; and means, a bringing under subjection: that of 'overcome', supposes efforts, against any obstacle that opposes; meaning, rather, to surmount."
Metaphor in Context
51. To Conquer, Subdue, Overcome.
Each of these words, implies, resistance; but, that of conquer, refers to victory over enemies; and is, generally, used in the literal sense: that of subdue, is more applicable to our passions; being, oftener, used in a figurative; and means, a bringing under subjection: that of overcome, supposes efforts, against any obstacle that opposes; meaning, rather, to surmount.
We have conquered our enemies, when we have beat them, in such a manner, as to put it out of their power, to do us any further hurt. We may be said, to have subdued our lusts, when we are able to withstand every temptation. We overcome our adversaries, when we obtain our end, in spite of every opposition.
It requires courage and valour, to conquer; endeavour and resolution, to subdue; patience and perseverance, to overcome.
Alexander gloried more in his conquests, than in any other thing upon earth. Of all passions, avarice is the most difficult to subdue; as neither age, or, weakness of constitution, is able to rebate its edge. We should strive to overcome evil, with good.
(pp. 65-6)
Each of these words, implies, resistance; but, that of conquer, refers to victory over enemies; and is, generally, used in the literal sense: that of subdue, is more applicable to our passions; being, oftener, used in a figurative; and means, a bringing under subjection: that of overcome, supposes efforts, against any obstacle that opposes; meaning, rather, to surmount.
We have conquered our enemies, when we have beat them, in such a manner, as to put it out of their power, to do us any further hurt. We may be said, to have subdued our lusts, when we are able to withstand every temptation. We overcome our adversaries, when we obtain our end, in spite of every opposition.
It requires courage and valour, to conquer; endeavour and resolution, to subdue; patience and perseverance, to overcome.
Alexander gloried more in his conquests, than in any other thing upon earth. Of all passions, avarice is the most difficult to subdue; as neither age, or, weakness of constitution, is able to rebate its edge. We should strive to overcome evil, with good.
(pp. 65-6)
Categories
Provenance
Reading
Citation
Credited as being the first thesaurus in English. 4 entries in the ESTC (1766, 1776, 1783, 1795).
See John Trusler, The Difference, Between Words, Esteemed Synonymous: in the English Language; and, the Proper Choice of them Determined: Together with, so much of Abbé Girard's Treatise, on this Subject, as Would Agree, with our Mode of Expression, 2 vols. (London: Printed for J. Dodsley, 1766). <Vol. I, Link to ECCO-TCP><Vol. II, Link to ECCO-TCP>
See John Trusler, The Difference, Between Words, Esteemed Synonymous: in the English Language; and, the Proper Choice of them Determined: Together with, so much of Abbé Girard's Treatise, on this Subject, as Would Agree, with our Mode of Expression, 2 vols. (London: Printed for J. Dodsley, 1766). <Vol. I, Link to ECCO-TCP><Vol. II, Link to ECCO-TCP>
Theme
Meta-Metaphorical
Date of Entry
08/15/2013
