ect, straight,
or in the direct line of truth and goodness; _responsibility_, that for
which one must answer. _Duty_ and _responsibility_ are thought of as to
some person or persons; _right_ is impersonal. One's _duty_ may be to
others or to himself; his _obligations_ and _responsibilities_ are to
others. _Duty_ arises from the nature of things; _obligation_ and
_responsibility_ may be created by circumstances, as by one's own
promise, or by the acceptance of a trust, etc. We speak of a parent's
_duty_, a debtor's _obligation_; or of a child's _duty_ of obedience,
and a parent's _responsibility_ for the child's welfare. _Right_ is that
which accords with the moral system of the universe. _Righteousness_ is
_right_ incarnated in action. In a more limited sense, _right_ may be
used of what one may rightly claim, and so be the converse of _duty_. It
is the creditor's _right_ to demand payment, and the debtor's _duty_ to
pay. Compare BUSINESS.

* * * * *

EAGER.

Synonyms:

animated, desirous, glowing, importunate, longing,
anxious, earnest, hot, intense, vehement,
ardent, enthusiastic, impatient, intent, yearning,
burning, fervent, impetuous, keen, zealous.

One is _eager_ who impatiently desires to accomplish some end; one is
_earnest_ with a desire that is less impatient, but more deep, resolute,
and constant; one is _anxious_ with a desire that foresees rather the
pain of disappointment than the delight of attainment. One is _eager_
for the gratification of any appetite or passion; he is _earnest_ in
conviction, purpose, or character. _Eager_ usually refers to some
specific and immediate satisfaction, _earnest_ to something permanent
and enduring; the patriotic soldier is _earnest_ in his devotion to his
country, _eager_ for a decisive battle.

Antonyms:

apathetic, cool, indifferent, regardless, unconcerned,
calm, dispassionate, negligent, stolid, uninterested,
careless, frigid, phlegmatic, stony, unmindful,
cold, heedless, purposeless, stupid, unmoved.

Prepositions:

Eager _for_ (more rarely _after_) favor, honor, etc.; eager _in_
pursuit.

* * * * *

EASE.

Synonyms:

easiness, expertness, facility, knack, readiness.

_Ease_ in the sense here considered denotes freedom from conscious or
apparen