l, what we _propose_ more formal and
definite; I _purpose_ to do right; I _propose_ to do this specific thing
because it is right. In the historic sentence, "I _propose_ to move
immediately on your works," _purpose_ would not have the same sharp
directness.

* * * * *

PROTRACT.

Synonyms:

continue, delay, elongate, lengthen, procrastinate,
defer, draw out, extend, postpone, prolong.

To _protract_ is to cause to occupy a longer time than is usual,
expected, or desirable. We _defer_ a negotiation which we are slow to
enter upon; we _protract_ a negotiation which we are slow to conclude;
_delay_ may be used of any stage in the proceedings; we may _delay_ a
person as well as an action, but _defer_ and _protract_ are not used of
persons. _Elongate_ is not used of actions or abstractions, but only of
material objects or extension in space; _protract_ is very rarely used
of concrete objects or extension in space; we _elongate_ a line,
_protract_ a discussion. _Protract_ has usually an unfavorable sense,
implying that the matter referred to is already unduly long, or would be
so if longer _continued_; _continue_ is neutral, applying equally to the
desirable or the undesirable. _Postpone_ implies a definite intention to
resume, as _defer_ also does, though less decidedly; both are often used
with some definite limitation of time; as, to _postpone_ till, until, or
to a certain day or hour. One may _defer_, _delay_, or _postpone_ a
matter intelligently and for good reason; he _procrastinates_ through
indolence and irresolution. Compare HINDER.

Antonyms:

abbreviate, conclude, curtail, hurry, reduce,
abridge, contract, hasten, limit, shorten.

Prepositions:

To protract a speech _by_ verbosity, _through_ an unreasonable time,
_to_, _till_, or _until_ a late hour.

* * * * *

PROVERB.

Synonyms:

adage, axiom, maxim, saw,
aphorism, byword, motto, saying,
apothegm, dictum, precept, truism.

The _proverb_ or _adage_ gives homely truth in condensed, practical
form, the _adage_ often pictorial. "Hope deferred maketh the heart sick"
is a _proverb_; "The cat loves fish, but dares not wet her feet," is an
_adage_. Both the _proverb_ and the _adage_, but especially the latter,
are thought of as ancient and widely known. An _aphorism_ partakes of
the character of a definition; it is a summary stat