Literary notes about particular (AI summary)
The term “particular” in literature often functions to single out and specify distinct qualities or details in contrast to a broader generality. It can denote a precise moment or condition—as when a character must sit in one particular position [1] or when an individual’s unique preferences are emphasized [2]—or it may be used in philosophical discourse to draw a boundary between a general rule and its specific instances [3],[4],[5]. Whether highlighting a unique direction [6], questioning the exact point of reference in conversation [7], or distinguishing the subtle differences in everyday details [8],[9], “particular” serves to focus the reader’s attention on what is uniquely defining in a situation or character.
- “I let myself down to the ledge, and found that it was impossible to retain a seat upon it except in one particular position.
— from The Works of Edgar Allan Poe — Volume 1 by Edgar Allan Poe - Education must take the being as he is; that a particular individual has just such and such an equipment of native activities is a basic fact.
— from Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education by John Dewey - The matter is entirely one of individual usage and must be examined afresh in each particular case.
— from Criminal Psychology: A Manual for Judges, Practitioners, and Students by Hans Gross - Philosophically, the difference turns about the distinction of the particular and universal.
— from Democracy and Education: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education by John Dewey - It is not easy, it has already been observed, to ascertain what are the average wages of labour, even in a particular place, and at a particular time.
— from An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations by Adam Smith - This very phrase shows how particular Saknussemm is in his directions.
— from A Journey to the Centre of the Earth by Jules Verne - "At what particular point did you mention the word marriage, Dorian?
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde - He crumpled dresses a good deal, and he had no particular plan about the work—at first—except to put each article into the trunk it didn’t belong in.
— from Following the Equator: A Journey Around the World by Mark Twain - I should like to know if there is anything particular in either of these that you would like to mention.”
— from Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
