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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.
  1. § 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
  2. vim , abl. vī , f., strength , force ; hostile force , violence ; quantity , number ; pl.
    — from Eutropius by active 4th century Eutropius
  3. vim, ut non numquam mortem sibi ipse consciscere alius debeat, alius
    — from De Officiis by Marcus Tullius Cicero
  4. 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
  5. “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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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

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