Literary notes about perspicuity (AI summary)
Writers often invoke perspicuity to praise a clear and unmistakeable style that renders complex ideas accessible. In many philosophical and historical works, the term highlights the precision and logical clarity that guide the reader through intricate arguments ([1], [2], [3]). At times it even serves as a benchmark against which more convoluted or verbose language is measured ([4]). Moreover, perspicuity is valued in narrative and rhetorical contexts where a well-ordered expression not only facilitates understanding but also intensifies the aesthetic impact of the prose ([5], [6], [7]). This versatility in use underscores its importance as an ideal in both intellectual discourse and creative writing ([8]).
- Note: Eckhel has more recently treated these chronological questions with a perspicuity which gives great probability to his conclusions.
— from The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire by Edward Gibbon - But I judged it better to sacrifice elegance to perspicuity.
— from The Critique of Pure Reason by Immanuel Kant - What he has to say he says with such perspicuity that no one doubts his meaning.
— from Three Years in the Federal Cavalry by Willard W. Glazier - Commentators in the effort to be clear are often wordy, and those who aim at brevity often lack perspicuity.
— from Rashi by Maurice Liber - Joe recited this couplet with such manifest pride and careful perspicuity, that I asked him if he had made it himself.
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - He had a ready command of language, and expressed himself with great perspicuity, animation, and force.
— from Life of John Knox, Fifth Edition, Vol. 2 of 2Containing Illustrations of the History of the Reformation in Scotland by Thomas M'Crie - The chief literary merits of the Diary are its unassuming simplicity and perfect perspicuity of style and phrase.
— from The Age of Dryden by Richard Garnett - Language is an instrument capable of being perpetually advanced in copiousness, perspicuity and power.
— from Thoughts on Man, His Nature, Productions and Discoveries Interspersed with Some Particulars Respecting the Author by William Godwin
