Literary notes about render (AI summary)
The term "render" is a remarkably flexible verb in literature, taking on a variety of meanings depending on context. It is often used to mean “to provide” or “to give,” as when a character promises to render a service or aid, reflecting interpersonal interactions and obligations [1], [2], [3]. In other passages, “render” serves a causative function, transforming circumstances or emotions; for example, it is employed to describe making a situation amusing or a feeling delightful [4], [5]. The word also occurs in contexts of reciprocation or repayment, most famously in the phrase “render unto Caesar” [6], as well as in discussions of moral accountability [7], [8]. At times, it is used to clarify or explain ideas, helping to render concepts precise and intelligible [9], [10]. This varied usage underscores the term’s adaptability to convey both literal and figurative changes, contributions, and transformations in literary expression.
- She said: “'Oh, sir, you can render me a great service.'
— from Complete Original Short Stories of Guy De Maupassant by Guy de Maupassant - Like the service you wished to render my husband last night, I suppose.
— from An Ideal Husband by Oscar Wilde - 'I have enough and to spare of such things; but an you wish me so well, why do you not render me a service, and I will do what you will?'
— from The Decameron of Giovanni Boccaccio by Giovanni Boccaccio - It becomes amusing in itself, quite apart from the causes which render it amusing.
— from Laughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic by Henri Bergson - To render this feeling delightful, to train the senses to their highest potency and harmony in operation, is to begin life well.
— from The Life of Reason: The Phases of Human Progress by George Santayana - Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's.
— from The Happy Days of the Empress Marie Louise by Imbert de Saint-Amand - For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels: and then will he render to every man according to his works.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - But ought we to render evil for evil at all, when to do so will only make men more evil?
— from The Republic of Plato by Plato - By what invention can we throw light upon these ideas, and render them altogether precise and determinate to our intellectual view?
— from An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume - These remarks will be sufficient to render intelligible the following story of— Friday.
— from Russian Fairy Tales: A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore
