Literary notes about Undue (AI summary)
"Undue" is used in literature to indicate that something is excessive or disproportionate, often implying that an attribute, emotion, or action exceeds what is appropriate or justifiable. Its usage can subtly criticize a bias of any sort—as when a writer refers to an "undue bias" ([1]) or "undue prejudice" ([2])—or point out an imbalance in attention or emphasis, as seen in phrases like "undue value" ([3]) or "undue prominence" ([4]). Authors deploy the term to warn against irrational exaggeration, whether it is in expressing terror ([5]), executing haste ([6]), or granting influence ([7]). The word functions as a safeguard against excess, marking a fine line between necessary importance and an overemphasis that can distort judgment.
- This fact is fully recognised by several recent writers, who will not be suspected of any undue bias towards traditional views of Christian history.
— from St. Paul's Epistles to the Colossians and Philemon by J. B. Lightfoot - The ex-Governor cannot be suspected of any undue prejudice in favour of the native population.
— from The Canadian Portrait Gallery - Volume 3 (of 4) by John Charles Dent - Too often, also, he gives undue value to works of mercy, and exalts acts of ascetic self-denial.
— from Deaconesses in Europe and their Lessons for America by Jane M. (Jane Marie) Bancroft - We must not put an undue strain on his loyalty.
— from The Secret Agent: A Simple Tale by Joseph Conrad - Dupes indeed are many: but, of all dupes , there is none so fatally situated as he who lives in undue terror of being duped.
— from On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in History by Thomas Carlyle - On the contrary, it may come from undue haste in speculation, from a too ready apprehension of the visible march of things.
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana - “That she would have—that it is a case of undue influence.
— from Howards End by E. M. Forster
