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.
- 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 - 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 - The family separated on the most friendly terms.
— from War and Peace by graf Leo Tolstoy - ] 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 - The person to whom they applied was a Spanish sea-captain, who offered to agree with them upon reasonable terms.
— from Candide by Voltaire - "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 - Then you want to know what the terms are.
— from Our Mutual Friend by Charles Dickens - 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 - 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 - 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 - Neuburger says of Erasistratus that “dissection had taught him to think in terms of anatomy.”
— from Galen: On the Natural Faculties by Galen - 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 - 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 - What are "life, purpose, and honor" in basic human terms?
— from Psychological Warfare by Paul Myron Anthony Linebarger