ver been much in favor. _Smart_, indicating dashing ability, is
now coming to have a suggestion of unscrupulousness, similar to that of
the word _sharp_, which makes its use a doubtful compliment. The
discriminating use of such words as _able_, _gifted_, _talented_, etc.,
is greatly preferable to an excessive use of the word _clever_. Compare
ACUMEN; ASTUTE; POWER.

Antonyms:

awkward, clumsy, foolish, ignorant, slow, thick-headed,
bungling, dull, idiotic, senseless, stupid, witless.

* * * * *

COLLISION.

Synonyms:

clash, concussion, contact, impact, opposition,
clashing, conflict, encounter, meeting, shock.

_Collision_, the act or fact of striking violently together, is the
result of motion or action, and is sudden and momentary; _contact_ may
be a condition of rest, and be continuous and permanent; _collision_ is
sudden and violent _contact_. _Concussion_ is often by transmitted force
rather than by direct _impact_; two railway-trains come into
_collision_; an explosion of dynamite shatters neighboring windows by
_concussion_. _Impact_ is the blow given by the striking body; as, the
_impact_ of the cannon-shot upon the target. An _encounter_ is always
violent, and generally hostile. _Meeting_ is neutral, and may be of the
dearest friends or of the bitterest foes; of objects, of persons, or of
opinions; of two or of a multitude. _Shock_ is the result of
_collision_. In the figurative use, we speak of _clashing_ of views,
_collision_ of persons. _Opposition_ is used chiefly of persons, more
rarely of opinions or interests; _conflict_ is used indifferently of
all.

Antonyms:

agreement, coincidence, concord, conformity, unison,
amity, concert, concurrence, harmony, unity.

Prepositions:

Collision _of_ one object _with_ another; _of_ or _between_ opposing
objects.

* * * * *

COMFORTABLE.

Synonyms:

agreeable, cheery, genial, snug,
at ease, commodious, pleasant, well-off,
at rest, contented, satisfactory, well-provided,
cheerful, convenient, satisfied, well-to-do.

A person is _comfortable_ in mind when _contented_ and measurably
_satisfied_. A little additional brightness makes him _cheerful_. He is
_comfortable_ in body when free from pain, quiet, _at ease_, _at rest_.
He is _comfortable_ in circumstances, or in _comforta