much _friendship_ without much _fellowship_, as
between those whose homes or pursuits are far apart. There may be
pleasant _fellowship_ which does not reach the fulness of _friendship_.
Compare ATTACHMENT; FRIENDSHIP; LOVE. As regards studies, pursuits,
etc., _acquaintance_ is less than _familiarity_, which supposes minute
_knowledge_ of particulars, arising often from long _experience_ or
_association_.

Antonyms:

ignorance, ignoring, inexperience, unfamiliarity.

Prepositions:

Acquaintance _with_ a subject; _of_ one person _with_ another; _between_
persons.

* * * * *

ACRIMONY.

Synonyms:

acerbity, harshness, severity, tartness,
asperity, malignity, sharpness, unkindness,
bitterness, moroseness, sourness, virulence.
causticity,

_Acerbity_ is a _sharpness_, with a touch of _bitterness_, which may
arise from momentary annoyance or habitual impatience; _asperity_ is
keener and more pronounced, denoting distinct irritation or vexation; in
speech _asperity_ is often manifested by the tone of voice rather than
by the words that are spoken. _Acrimony_ in speech or temper is like a
corrosive acid; it springs from settled character or deeply rooted
feeling of aversion or unkindness. One might speak with momentary
_asperity_ to his child, but not with _acrimony_, unless estrangement
had begun. _Malignity_ is the extreme of settled ill intent; _virulence_
is an envenomed hostility. _Virulence_ of speech is a quality in
language that makes the language seem as if exuding poison. _Virulence_
is outspoken; _malignity_ may be covered with smooth and courteous
phrase. We say intense _virulence_, deep _malignity_. _Severity_ is
always painful, and may be terrible, but carries ordinarily the
implication, true or false, of justice. Compare ANGER; BITTER; ENMITY.

Antonyms:

amiability, gentleness, kindness, smoothness,
courtesy, good nature, mildness, sweetness.

* * * * *

ACT, _n._

Synonyms:

accomplishment, execution, movement,
achievement, exercise, operation,
action, exertion, performance,
consummation, exploit, proceeding,
deed, feat, transaction,
doing, motion, work.
effect,

An _act_ is strictly and originally something accomplished by an
exercise of power, in which sense it is synonymous with _deed_ or
_effect_. _Action_ is a