Literary notes about inferior (AI summary)
In literature, “inferior” functions as a versatile marker to indicate a lesser quality, rank, or capacity across various contexts. It often appears in epic poetry and historical narratives to contrast strengths or assert hierarchical distinctions, as when a warrior’s power or a militia’s capacity is measured against a superior counterpart [1, 2]. In scientific and technical writings, the term delineates differences in material quality or anatomical structure, pointing out that one substance or feature is of a lower grade than another [3, 4]. Authors also apply “inferior” in social and moral discourses, where it underscores power imbalances or subtle disparagement in interpersonal relations, as seen in discussions about personal status or societal roles [5, 6]. In doing so, the word enriches texts by encapsulating comparative judgments that transcend simple quantification, weaving a complex tapestry of evaluation that spans genres and eras [7, 8].
- with force inferior far, Urged thee to meet Achilles' arm in war? Henceforth beware, nor antedate thy doom,
— from The Iliad by Homer - When Asdrubal had left Spain, the great Scipio found nothing to oppose him but a militia inferior to his own.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - The inferior surface of the leaf is pubescent, especially in the intervals between the ribs.
— from The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by T. H. Pardo de Tavera - Nuts produced by this tree were inferior to those produced by the survivor which later became known as the McKinster variety.
— from Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 44th Annual Meeting - She did not dare to own that the man she loved was her inferior; or to feel that she had given her heart away too soon.
— from Vanity Fair by William Makepeace Thackeray - .She was his lawful wife, but of an inferior degree.
— from The Bible, Douay-Rheims, Complete - From this tale, of which young Athens will probably make fun, may be gathered the lesson that writing is inferior to speech.
— from Phaedrus by Plato - "Something a little inferior I shall of course put up with, but it must not be much.
— from Persuasion by Jane Austen