ement of what the
author sees and believes to be true. An _apothegm_ is a terse statement
of what is plain or easily proved. The _aphorism_ is philosophical, the
_apothegm_ practical. A _dictum_ is a statement of some person or
school, on whom it depends for authority; as, a _dictum_ of Aristotle. A
_saying_ is impersonal, current among the common people, deriving its
authority from its manifest truth or good sense; as, it is an old
_saying_, "the more haste, the worse speed." A _saw_ is a _saying_ that
is old, but somewhat worn and tiresome. _Precept_ is a command to duty;
_motto_ or _maxim_ is a brief statement of cherished truth, the _maxim_
being more uniformly and directly practical; "God is love" may be a
_motto_, "Fear God and fear naught," a _maxim_. The _precepts_ of the
Sermon on the Mount will furnish the Christian with invaluable _maxims_
or _mottoes_. A _byword_ is a phrase or _saying_ used reproachfully or
contemptuously.

* * * * *

PROWESS.

Synonyms:

bravery, gallantry, intrepidity,
courage, heroism, valor.

_Bravery_, _courage_, _heroism_, and _intrepidity_ may be silent,
spiritual, or passive; they may be exhibited by a martyr at the stake.
_Prowess_ and _valor_ imply both daring and doing; we do not speak of
the _prowess_ of a martyr, a child, or a passive sufferer. _Valor_ meets
odds or perils with courageous action, doing its utmost to conquer at
any risk or cost; _prowess_ has power adapted to the need; dauntless
_valor_ is often vain against superior _prowess_. _Courage_ is a nobler
word than _bravery_, involving more of the deep, spiritual, and enduring
elements of character; such an appreciation of peril as would extinguish
_bravery_ may only intensify _courage_, which is resistant and
self-conquering; _courage_ applies to matters in regard to which _valor_
and _prowess_ can have no place, as submission to a surgical operation,
or the facing of censure or detraction for conscience' sake. Compare
BRAVE; FORTITUDE.

Antonyms:

cowardice, cowardliness, effeminacy, fear, pusillanimity, timidity.

* * * * *

PRUDENCE.

Synonyms:

care, discretion, judgment,
carefulness, forecast, judiciousness,
caution, foresight, providence,
circumspection, forethought, wisdom.
consideration, frugality,

_Prudence_ may be briefly defined as good _judgment_ and _foresight_,