Literary notes about indefensible (AI summary)
The word "indefensible" has been employed in literature to denote actions, beliefs, or even linguistic practices that lack justification or merit critical disapproval. In historical narratives, it critiques the moral failings of notable figures, as when Cid is accused of "not a few thoroughly indefensible acts" [1]. The term also extends into philosophical discourse, where a faith in a singular radical insight is dismissed as indefensible despite its truth [2]. In strategic and political texts, such as in Sunzi’s analyses and Keynes’s discussions, the label is applied to actions and policies lacking sufficient rationale [3, 4]. Even in literary fiction, characters' deeds or personal decisions are questioned through this term, highlighting moments of personal failing [5]. Moreover, its usage crosses into stylistic criticism where even a misplaced adjective preceding a noun is termed indefensible [6], while its presence in religious texts underscores its gravitas in moral and societal evaluations [7].
- Of course our Cid had his faults, and was guilty of not a few thoroughly indefensible acts.
— from The Moors in Spain by Stanley Lane-Poole - His was an indefensible faith in a single radical insight, which happened nevertheless to be true.
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana - But such a violent displacement of characters is quite indefensible.]
— from The Art of War by active 6th century B.C. Sunzi - Not precedent, but the verbal professions of the Allies, have rendered it indefensible.
— from The Economic Consequences of the Peace by John Maynard Keynes - "If Ellen Douglas is not a proud woman this night she should be." "Norman Douglas did a wholly indefensible thing," said the doctor.
— from Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery - The use of worth while before a noun (“a worth while story”) is indefensible.
— from The Elements of Style by William Strunk - FRONT ROYAL 317 indefensible.
— from The King James Version of the Bible
