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Literary notes about terms (AI summary)

The word “terms” appears in literature with a remarkable range of meanings, adapting its sense to different situations and genres. In some texts, it describes relationships, conveying a sense of friendship or discord—as seen when characters are “on friendly terms” ([1], [2], [3]) or when a separation is made “upon good terms” ([4]). In legal or contractual contexts, “terms” refers to specific conditions or stipulations, from agreements in narratives ([5], [6], [7]) to precise provisions in contracts and licenses ([8], [9], [10]). Moreover, the word extends into abstract and theoretical usage, defining the components of mathematical series ([8]), framing debates and definitions in philosophy and science ([11], [12]), and even coloring the language of criticism or praise in literary discourse ([13], [14]). Thus, across various works—from historical epics to scientific treatises—“terms” functions as a flexible linguistic tool that shapes both interpersonal dynamics and formal conceptual frameworks.
  1. They were worthy of each other’s esteem, and were presently on the most friendly terms.
    — from The Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — Complete by Jean-Jacques Rousseau
  2. This was at a time when Lamb and Hazlitt were not on good terms.
    — from The Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2 by Charles Lamb and Mary Lamb
  3. The family separated on the most friendly terms.
    — from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy
  4. ] to clear debts of my Lady Castlemayne’s; and that she and her husband are parted for ever, upon good terms, never to trouble one another more.
    — from The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete by Samuel Pepys
  5. The person to whom they applied was a Spanish sea-captain, who offered to agree with them upon reasonable terms.
    — from Candide by Voltaire
  6. "Licensor" means the individual, individuals, entity or entities that offer(s) the Work under the terms of this License.
    — from Little Brother by Cory Doctorow
  7. Then you want to know what the terms are.
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  8. In general, when the terms of a series decrease indefinitely, and are alternately positive and negative, the series is converging.
    — from The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America by Thomas Jefferson
  9. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org.
    — from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
  10. You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
    — from Rockets, Missiles, and Spacecraft of the National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution
  11. Neuburger says of Erasistratus that “dissection had taught him to think in terms of anatomy.”
    — from Galen: On the Natural Faculties by Galen
  12. Had it been said, that a cause is that after which any thing constantly exists; we should have understood the terms.
    — from An Enquiry Concerning Human Understanding by David Hume
  13. Be so good as name the terms, Wegg.' 'Now, mark, Boffin,' returned Silas: 'Mark 'em well, because they're the lowest terms and the only terms.
    — from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens
  14. What are "life, purpose, and honor" in basic human terms?
    — from Psychological Warfare by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger

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