iven or
only implied in the text; as, an _exposition_ of Scripture.
_Interpretation_ is ordinarily from one language into another, or from
the language of one period into that of another; it may also be a
statement giving the doubtful or hidden meaning of that which is
recondite or perplexing; as, the _interpretation_ of a dream, a riddle,
or of some difficult passage. _Definition_, _explanation_, _exposition_,
and _interpretation_ are ordinarily blended in a _commentary_, which may
also include _description_. A _comment_ is upon a single passage; a
_commentary_ may be the same, but is usually understood to be a volume
of _comments_.

* * * * *

DELEGATE.

Synonyms:

deputy, legate, proxy, representative, substitute.

These words agree in designating one who acts in the place of some other
or others. The _legate_ is an ecclesiastical officer representing the
Pope. In strict usage the _deputy_ or _delegate_ is more limited in
functions and more closely bound by instructions than a
_representative_. A single officer may have a _deputy_; many persons
combine to choose a _delegate_ or _representative_. In the United States
informal assemblies send _delegates_ to nominating conventions with no
legislative authority; _representatives_ are legally elected to Congress
and the various legislatures, with lawmaking power.

* * * * *

DELIBERATE.

Synonyms:

confer, consult, meditate, reflect,
consider, debate, ponder, weigh.

An individual _considers_, _meditates_, _ponders_, _reflects_, by
himself; he _weighs_ a matter in his own mind, and is sometimes said
even to _debate_ with himself. _Consult_ and _confer_ always imply two
or more persons, as does _debate_, unless expressly limited as above.
_Confer_ suggests the interchange of counsel, advice, or information;
_consult_ indicates almost exclusively the receiving of it. A man
_confers_ with his associates about a new investment; he _consults_ his
physician about his health; he may _confer_ with him on matters of
general interest. He _consults_ a dictionary, but does not _confer_ with
it. _Deliberate_, which can be applied to a single individual, is also
the word for a great number, while _consult_ is ordinarily limited to a
few; a committee _consults_; an assembly _deliberates_. _Deliberating_
always carries the idea of slowness; _consulting_ is compatible with
haste; we can spea