Quotessence
Home / Quotes / Quote by Ambrose Bierce

Quote by Ambrose Bierce

“OBSOLETE, adj. No longer used by the timid. Said chiefly of words. A word which some lexicographer has marked obsolete is ever thereafter an object of dread and loathing to the fool writer, but if it is a good word and has no exact modern equivalent equally good, it is good enough for the good writer. Indeed, a writer's attitude toward "obsolete" words is as true a measure of his literary ability as anything except the character of his work. A dictionary of obsolete and obsolescent words would not only be singularly rich in strong and sweet parts of speech; it would add large possessions to the vocabulary of every competent writer who might not happen to be a competent reader.”

Quote by Ambrose Bierce

Work

The Unabridged Devil's Dictionary

This book is a compilation of witty and often irreverent definitions, challenging conventional meanings and offering a critical commentary on society and human nature. It is a work of literary wit and social critique, celebrated for its clever wordplay and sharp observations. more

Author

Ambrose Bierce
Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Bierce was an American journalist, satirist, and editor, renowned for his sharp wit and dark humor. He is best known for his satirical novel 'The Devil's Dictionary' and his short stories. Bierce was born on June 24, 1842, and his exact date of death remains unknown, as he disappeared during the American Civil War. more

You May Also Like

“Drive us underground We will always surface Singing words you can never own Because you don’t have the range to hear them. Go ahead, take away our words, We will birth a whole new language You’ve been sending your armies for us since the beginning of time But we were born for battle. You wonder why we are still here? You made us this strong. Do you think getting rid of a word will silence us? You’d have to ban them all.”