Literary notes about vim (AI summary)
The term “vim” is employed by authors to evoke a sense of lively force or vigorous energy, whether in a literal or figurative sense. In classical Latin texts, it denotes a physical force or violent energy, as seen when Cicero discusses the application of force, or when ancient grammarians note its textual role ([1], [2], [3]). In modern literature, however, its meaning broadens to capture the spirited, energetic quality of characters or actions—for instance, a character described as moving “with such vim and briskness” ([4]), or when enthusiastic participation is encouraged “with vim and satisfaction” ([5]). Whether illustrating the physical power to combat flames ([6]) or conveying an exuberant zest in everyday pursuits ([7], [8]), vim consistently serves as an evocative symbol of energy and verve in literary discourse.
- § 103 110 At non debuit ratum esse, quod erat actum per vim.—Quasi vero forti viro vis possit adhiberi.
— from De Officiis by Marcus Tullius Cicero - vim , abl. vī , f., strength , force ; hostile force , violence ; quantity , number ; pl.
— from Eutropius by active 4th century Eutropius - vim, ut non numquam mortem sibi ipse consciscere alius debeat, alius
— from De Officiis by Marcus Tullius Cicero - Charlotta the Fourth was flying around with such vim and briskness that her blue bows seemed really to possess the power of being everywhere at once.
— from Anne of Avonlea by L. M. Montgomery - “That’s the kind of advertising that counts!” cried Mr. Brackett, with vim and satisfaction.
— from Dave Dashaway, Air Champion; Or, Wizard Work in the Clouds by Roy Rockwood - Frank immediately commenced fighting the flames with a vim.
— from The Aeroplane Boys on the Wing
Or, Aeroplane Chums in the Tropics by John Luther Langworthy - The action of the story throughout is splendid, and all aglow with color, movement, and vim.
— from A Spoil of Office: A Story of the Modern West by Hamlin Garland - And on the festal day, I would loud rejoice, Sing, and sway myself, and dance with vim.
— from Jewish Literature and Other Essays by Gustav Karpeles