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Jackson6612 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

To try presumptuously : PROVOKE *tempt fate*

Hi

I don't think "to try presumptuously" and "PROVOKE" have synonymous meanings. Then, why does M-W put them in a way which suggests parallelism? Please help me with it. Thank you.

tempt

2 b : to try presumptuously : PROVOKE tempt fate

try (verb)

2 a : to put to test or trial try one's luck

provoke

1 a archaic : to arouse to a feeling or action b : to incite to anger
2 a : to call forth (as a feeling or action) : EVOKE provoke laughter* b : to stir up purposely *provoke a fight* c : to provide the needed stimulus for *will provoke a lot of discussion


[M-W's Col. Dic.]
  

Top answer

We have been through this before, Jackson. A good dictionary supplies a number of alternative synonyms that may or may not overlap in meaning but help indicate the range of meanings of the word being defined. But actually, I think you may be unaware of the full meaning of 'try' in 'tempt 2b': to put to a severe test; subject to strain, as of endurance, patience, affliction, or trouble; tax: to try one's patience.

— Mister Micawber

  • We have been through this before, Jackson.
  • A good dictionary supplies a number of alternative synonyms that may or may not overlap in meaning but help indicate the range of meanings of the word being defined.
  • But actually, I think you may be unaware of the full meaning of 'try' in 'tempt 2b': to put to a severe test; subject to strain, as of endurance, patience, affliction, or trouble; tax: to try one's patience.
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6 Answers
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We have been through this before, Jackson. A good dictionary supplies a number of alternative synonyms that may or may not overlap in meaning but help indicate the range of meanings of the word being defined. But actually, I think you may be unaware of the full meaning of 'try' in 'tempt 2b':


to put
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I don't think "to try presumptuously" and "PROVOKE" have synonymous meanings. Then, why does M-W put them in a way which suggests parallelism? Please help me with it. Thank you.

tempt
2 b : to try presumptuously : PROVOKE tempt fate

try (verb)
2 a : to put to test or trial try one's luck

pro
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Do you know why 'provoke' is capitalized in that dictionary's system, Jackson? I don't.
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No, I don't, Mr Micawber. Perhaps, they have given the reason for capitalization in paperback. Won't you venture to guess?!

Best regards

Jackson
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Ah, I've looked at their site and I suppose that it is capitalized just to help indicate that it is a link to their definition of 'provoke'. I think it is a good idea to follow such links and see how the definition intermesh.
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Mister MicawberAh, I've looked at their site and I suppose that it is capitalized just to help indicate that it is a link to their definition of 'provoke'. I think it is a good idea to follow such links and see how the definition intermesh.
Hi Mr Micawber

Thank you for the information. I have also been to the help pages below but I wasn't able to see
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