COMMON SENSE

WEBSTER'S FRENCH THESAURUS

EDITION
for ESL, EFL, ELP, TOEFL®, TOEIC®, and AP® Test Preparation

Thomas Paine

TOEFL, TOEIC, AP and Advanced Placement are trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which has
neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.
 Common Sense
Webster's French
Thesaurus Edition
for ESL, EFL, ELP, TOEFL®, TOEIC®, and AP® Test
Preparation

Thomas Paine

TOEFL®, TOEIC®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks of the Educational Testing Service which
has neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.
ii

ICON CLASSICS

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Common Sense: Webster's French Thesaurus Edition for ESL, EFL, ELP, TOEFL®, TOEIC®, and AP®
Test Preparation

This edition published by ICON Classics in 2005

Printed in the United States of America.

Copyright ©2005 by ICON Group International, Inc.

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TOEFL®, TOEIC®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks of the Educational Testing
Service which has neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.

ISBN 0-497-25678-9
 iii

Contents
PREFACE FROM THE EDITOR .......................................................................................... 1
INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................ 2
OF THE ORIGIN AND DESIGN OF GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL, WITH CONCISE
REMARKS ON THE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION................................................................... 4
OF MONARCHY AND HEREDITARY SUCCESSION .......................................................... 10
THOUGHTS ON THE PRESENT STATE OF AMERICAN AFFAIRS...................................... 19
OF THE PRESENT ABILITY OF AMERICA, WITH SOME MISCELLANEOUS REFLEXIONS. 36
APPENDIX ...................................................................................................................... 47
GLOSSARY ..................................................................................................................... 56
 Thomas Paine 1

PREFACE FROM THE EDITOR

Webster’s paperbacks take advantage of the fact that classics are frequently assigned readings in
English courses. By using a running English-to-French thesaurus at the bottom of each page, this
edition of Common Sense by Thomas Paine was edited for three audiences. The first includes
French-speaking students enrolled in an English Language Program (ELP), an English as a Foreign
Language (EFL) program, an English as a Second Language Program (ESL), or in a TOEFL® or
TOEIC® preparation program. The second audience includes English-speaking students enrolled in
bilingual education programs or French speakers enrolled in English speaking schools. The third
audience consists of students who are actively building their vocabularies in French in order to take
1
foreign service, translation certification, Advanced Placement® (AP®) or similar examinations. By
using the Webster's French Thesaurus Edition when assigned for an English course, the reader can
enrich their vocabulary in anticipation of an examination in French or English.

Webster’s edition of this classic is organized to expose the reader to a maximum number of
difficult and potentially ambiguous English words. Rare or idiosyncratic words and expressions are
given lower priority compared to “difficult, yet commonly used” words. Rather than supply a single
translation, many words are translated for a variety of meanings in French, allowing readers to
better grasp the ambiguity of English, and avoid them using the notes as a pure translation crutch.
Having the reader decipher a word’s meaning within context serves to improve vocabulary
retention and understanding. Each page covers words not already highlighted on previous pages. If
a difficult word is not translated on a page, chances are that it has been translated on a previous
page. A more complete glossary of translations is supplied at the end of the book; translations are
extracted from Webster’s Online Dictionary.

Definitions of remaining terms as well as translations can be found at www.websters-online-

dictionary.org. Please send suggestions to websters@icongroupbooks.com

The Editor
Webster’s Online Dictionary
www.websters-online-dictionary.org

1 TOEFL®, TOEIC®, AP® and Advanced Placement® are trademarks of the Educational Testing Service

which has neither reviewed nor endorsed this book. All rights reserved.
2 Common Sense

INTRODUCTION

PERHAPS the sentiments contained in the following pages, are not yet
sufficiently fashionable to procure them general favor; a long habit of not
thinking a thing wrong, gives it a superficial appearance of being right, and raises
at first a formidable outcry in defence of custom. But the tumult soon subsides.
Time makes more converts than reason.%
As a long and violent abuse of power, is generally the Means of calling the
right of it in question (and in Matters too which might never have been thought
of, had not the Sufferers been aggravated into the inquiry) and as the King of
England hath undertaken in his own right, to support the Parliament in what he
calls theirs, and as the good people of this country are grievously oppressed by
the combination, they have an undoubted privilege to inquire into the
pretensions of both, and equally to reject the usurpations of either.
In the following sheets, the author hath studiously avoided every thing
which is personal among ourselves. Compliments as well as censure to
individuals make no part thereof. The wise, and the worthy, need not the
triumph of a pamphlet; and those whose sentiments are injudicious, or
unfriendly, will cease of themselves unless too much pains are bestowed upon
their conversion.

aggravated: aggravé, aggravai,
aggrava, aggravâmes, aggravèrent,
aggravas, aggravâtes, agaçâtes,
agaça, agaçai, agacèrent.
bestowed: accordé, accorda, accordai,
accordâmes, accordas, accordâtes,
accordèrent.
censure: critiquer, reprendre.
converts: convertit.
favor: faveur, grâce, service,
complaisance, favoriser.
grievously: de manière douloureuse,
French
de façon douloureuse.
injudicious: peu judicieux.
inquire: enquérir, demander, nous
enquérons, vous enquérez,
s'enquièrent, m'enquiers, enquérez-
vous, t'enquiers, se renseigner.
oppressed: opprimé, opprimâtes,
opprimas, serré, serrâtes, serras,
serrâmes, serrai, opprimèrent,
serrèrent, opprimai.
outcry: tollé.
pamphlet: brochure, pamphlet.
procure: procurer, procure, procures,
procurons, procurez, procurent, se
procurer.
studiously: de manière studieuse, de
façon studieuse.
subsides: s'affaisse.
superficial: superficiel.
thereof: de cela.
tumult: barouf, baroufle, bagarre,
tumulte.
undoubted: indubitable.
unfriendly: inamical, froid.
 Thomas Paine 3

The%cause of America is in a great measure the cause of all mankind. Many

circumstances have, and will arise, which are not local, but universal, and
through which the principles of all Lovers of Mankind are affected, and in the
Event of which, their Affections are interested. The laying of a Country desolate
with Fire and Sword, declaring War against the natural rights of all Mankind,
and extirpating the Defenders thereof from the Face of the Earth, is the Concern
of every Man to whom Nature hath given the Power of feeling; of which Class,
regardless of Party Censure, is
THE AUTHOR

POSTSCRIPT TO PREFACE IN THE THIRD EDITION

P.S. The Publication of this new Edition hath been delayed, with a View of
taking notice (had it been necessary) of any Attempt to refute the Doctrine of
Independance: As no Answer hath yet appeared, it is now presumed that none
will, the Time needful for getting such a Performance ready for the Public being
considerably past.
Who the Author of this Production is, is wholly unnecessary to the Public, as
the Object for Attention is the DOCTRINE ITSELF, not the MAN. Yet it may not
be unnecessary to say, That he is unconnected with any Party, and under no sort
of Influence public or private, but the influence of reason and principle.
PHILADELPHIA, February 14, 1776.

affected: affecté, affectâtes, affectas,
affecta, affectâmes, affectèrent,
affectai, maniéré, artificiel, ému,
influai.
appeared: apparu, apparûtes,
apparurent, apparut, apparus,
apparûmes.
arise: naître, naissons, naissez, nais,
naissent, se soulever, surgir, se lever.
considerably: considérablement, de
façon considérable, de manière
considérable.
French
declaring: déclarant.
delayed: retardé, différé.
desolate: désolé, sombre, morne.
extirpating: extirpant.
interested: intéressé.
laying: pose, posant, ponte, couchant,
pondant, levée.
mankind: humanité.
measure: mesure, mesurer, taille,
jauger.
needful: nécessaire.
philadelphia: Philadelphie.
presumed: présumas, présumâtes,
présumèrent, présuma, présumâmes,
présumai, présumé.
principles: principes.
refute: réfuter, réfute, réfutes, réfutent,
réfutez, réfutons, rejeter, démentir.
regardless: inattentif, indifférent.
unconnected: sans rapport.
universal: universel.
unnecessary: inutile.
wholly: complètement, entièrement,
totalement, tout.
4 Common Sense

OF THE ORIGIN AND DESIGN OF

GOVERNMENT IN GENERAL, WITH CONCISE
REMARKS ON THE ENGLISH CONSTITUTION

SOME%writers have so confounded society with government, as to leave

little or no distinction between them; whereas they are not only different, but
have different origins. Society is produced by our wants, and government by
wickedness; the former promotes our happiness positively by uniting our
affections, the latter negatively by restraining our vices. The one encourages
intercourse, the other creates distinctions. The first is a patron, the last a
punisher.
Society in every state is a blessing, but government even in its best state is
but a necessary evil; in its worst state an intolerable one; for when we suffer, or
are exposed to the same miseries by a government, which we might expect in a
country without government, our calamity is heightened by reflecting that we
furnish the means by which we suffer. Government, like dress, is the badge of
lost innocence; the palaces of kings are built on the ruins of the bowers of
paradise. For were the impulses of conscience clear, uniform, and irresistibly
obeyed, man would need no other lawgiver; but that not being the case, he finds
it necessary to surrender up a part of his property to furnish means for the
protection of the rest; and this he is induced to do by the same prudence which

badge: insigne.
blessing: bénédiction, bénissant.
calamity: calamité, plaie, fléau.
confounded: confondu.
encourages: incite, encourage,
réconforte.
furnish: fournir, meubler, fournis,
fournissons, fournissent, fournissez,
meublent, meublez, meublons,
meuble, meubles.
heightened: aggravâtes, aggravèrent,
aggravé, aggravas, aggravâmes,
French
aggrava, aggravai, rehaussas,
rehaussâtes, rehaussé, rehaussèrent.
impulses: impulsions.
innocence: innocence, naïveté.
intercourse: rapports sexuels,
relations, rapport sexuel.
intolerable: intolérable.
irresistibly: de manière irrésistible, de
façon irrésistible, irrésistiblement.
lawgiver: législateur.
miseries: misères.
negatively: de manière négative,
négativement, de façon négative.
obeyed: obéis, obéit, obéîtes, obéirent,
obéi, obéîmes.
palaces: palais.
paradise: paradis.
patron: protecteur, mécène, client.
promotes: promeut.
prudence: prudence, précaution.
restraining: retenant.
ruins: ruine, ruines.
uniting: unissant, appariant.
wickedness: méchanceté.
 Thomas Paine 5

in every other case advises him out of two evils to choose the least. wherefore,
security being the true design and end of government, it unanswerably follows
that whatever form thereof appears most likely to ensure it to us, with the least
expence and greatest benefit, is preferable to all others.%
In order to gain a clear and just idea of the design and end of government, let
us suppose a small number of persons settled in some sequestered part of the
earth, unconnected with the rest, they will then represent the first peopling of
any country, or of the world. In this state of natural liberty, society will be their
first thought. A thousand motives will excite them thereto, the strength of one
man is so unequal to his wants, and his mind so unfitted for perpetual solitude,
that he is soon obliged to seek assistance and relief of another, who in his turn
requires the same. Four or five united would be able to raise a tolerable dwelling
in the midst of a wilderness, but one man might labour out the common period of
life without accomplishing any thing; when he had felled his timber he could
not remove it, nor erect it after it was removed; hunger in the mean time would
urge him from his work, and every different want call him a different way.
Disease, nay even misfortune would be death, for though neither might be
mortal, yet either would disable him from living, and reduce him to a state in
which he might rather be said to perish than to die.
This necessity, like a gravitating power, would soon form our newly arrived
emigrants into society, the reciprocal blessing of which, would supersede, and
render the obligations of law and government unnecessary while they remained
perfectly just to each other; but as nothing but heaven is impregnable to vice, it
will unavoidably happen, that in proportion as they surmount the first
difficulties of emigration, which bound them together in a common cause, they
will begin to relax in their duty and attachment to each other; and this
remissness, will point out the necessity, of establishing some form of
government to supply the defect of moral virtue.
Some convenient tree will afford them a State-House, under the branches of
which, the whole colony may assemble to deliberate on public matters. It is more
than probable that their first laws will have the title only of regulations, and be

accomplishing: accomplissant,
réalisant, confectionnant,
remplissant.
advises: conseille.
disable: désactiver, désemparer,
désactivons, désactivez, désactive,
désactives, désactivent.
excite: exciter, excites, excite, excitez,
excitons, excitent, irriter, agacer,
hérisser, hérissons, hérisse.
felled: abattu.
gravitating: gravitant.
French
impregnable: imprenable.
nay: non.
peopling: peuplement.
perish: périr, périssons, périssez,
périssent, péris, s'abîmer.
remissness: négligence.
sequestered: séquestrai, séquestrâmes,
séquestras, séquestrâtes,
séquestrèrent, séquestra, séquestré.
solitude: solitude.
supersede: abroger, remplace,
remplacez, remplaçons, remplaces,
abroges, abrogeons, abroge, abrogez,
abrogent, remplacent.
surmount: surmonter, surmonte,
surmontes, surmontons, surmontez,
surmontent.
tolerable: tolérable, supportable,
passable.
unanswerably: de manière irréfutable,
de façon irréfutable.
unavoidably: de manière inévitable,
de façon inévitable.
wherefore: pourquoi.
6 Common Sense

enforced by no other penalty than public disesteem. In this first parliament every
man, by natural right, will have a seat.%
But as the colony increases, the public concerns will increase likewise, and
the distance at which the members may be separated, will render it too
inconvenient for all of them to meet on every occasion as at first, when their
number was small, their habitations near, and the public concerns few and
trifling. This will point out the convenience of their consenting to leave the
legislative part to be managed by a select number chosen from the whole body,
who are supposed to have the same concerns at stake which those have who
appointed them, and who will act in the same manner as the whole body would
act were they present. If the colony continues increasing, it will become
necessary to augment the number of the representatives, and that the interest of
every part of the colony may be attended to, it will be found best to divide the
whole into convenient parts, each part sending its proper number; and that the
elected might never form to themselves an interest separate from the electors,
prudence will point out the propriety of having elections often; because as the
elected might by that means return and mix again with the general body of the
electors in a few months, their fidelity to the public will be secured by the
prudent reflexion of not making a rod for themselves. And as this frequent
interchange will establish a common interest with every part of the community,
they will mutually and naturally support each other, and on this (not on the
unmeaning name of king) depends the strength of government, and the happiness of
the governed.
Here then is the origin and rise of government; namely, a mode rendered
necessary by the inability of moral virtue to govern the world; here too is the
design and end of government, viz. freedom and security. And however our eyes
may be dazzled with snow, or our ears deceived by sound; however prejudice
may warp our wills, or interest darken our understanding, the simple voice of
nature and of reason will say, it is right.
I draw my idea of the form of government from a principle in nature, which
no art can overturn, viz. that the more simple any thing is, the less liable it is to

augment: augmenter, accroître,
augmentent, augmentons,
augmentez, augmentes, augmente,
accroissez, accroissent, accrois,
accroissons.
consenting: consentant.
convenience: convenance.
darken: foncer, fonçons, foncez,
fonces, fonce, foncent, assombrir,
obscurcir, assombrissent,
assombrissez, assombrissons.
deceived: trompé, trompa, trompai,
French
trompâmes, trompas, trompèrent,
trompâtes, déçu, triché, trichâtes,
trichai.
fidelity: fidélité.
govern: gouverner, gouvernes,
gouverne, gouvernons, gouvernez,
gouvernent, régner, régnez, régnons,
règnes, règnent.
inability: incapacité, impuissance.
inconvenient: difficile, dur, pénible,
inopportun, incommode, gênant.
interchange: échange, échanger,
échangeur.
overturn: renverser, chavirer, basculer,
faire chavirer, renversement.
propriety: bienséance.
prudent: prudent, raisonnable.
reflexion: réflexion.
render: rendre.
rendered: plâtras, rendit, rendîmes,
rendirent, rendîtes, plâtrèrent, plâtré,
plâtrâtes, crépi, rendis, plâtrâmes.
trifling: mineur.
warp: chaîne, ourdir.
 Thomas Paine 7

be disordered, and the easier repaired when disordered; and with this maxim in
view, I offer a few remarks on the so much boasted constitution of England. That
it was noble for the dark and slavish times in which it was erected, is granted.
When the world was over run with tyranny the least remove therefrom was a
glorious rescue. But that it is imperfect, subject to convulsions, and incapable of
producing what it seems to promise, is easily demonstrated.%
Absolute governments (tho' the disgrace of human nature) have this
advantage with them, that they are simple; if the people suffer, they know the
head from which their suffering springs, know likewise the remedy, and are not
bewildered by a variety of causes and cures. But the constitution of England is
so exceedingly complex, that the nation may suffer for years together without
being able to discover in which part the fault lies, some will say in one and some
in another, and every political physician will advise a different medicine.
I know it is difficult to get over local or long standing prejudices, yet if we
will suffer ourselves to examine the component parts of the English constitution,
we shall find them to be the base remains of two ancient tyrannies, compounded
with some new republican materials.
First.—The remains of monarchical tyranny in the person of the king.
Secondly.—The remains of aristocratical tyranny in the persons of the peers.
Thirdly.—The new republican materials, in the persons of the commons, on
whose virtue depends the freedom of England.
The two first, by being hereditary, are independent of the people; wherefore
in a constitutional sense they contribute nothing towards the freedom of the state.
To say that the constitution of England is a UNION of three powers
reciprocally checking each other, is farcical, either the words have no meaning, or
they are flat contradictions.
To say that the commons is a check upon the king, presupposes two things.
First.—That the king is not to be trusted without being looked after, or in
other words, that a thirst for absolute power is the natural disease of monarchy.

bewildered: éperdu, effarai, effara,
effarâtes, effaras, effaré, effarée,
effarâmes, effarèrent.
boasted: vanté.
compounded: aggravé.
convulsions: convulsions.
cures: guérit.
disgrace: disgrâce, honte, déshonorer,
déshonneur, disgracier.
erected: érigé.
exceedingly: extrêmement, de manière
excédante, de façon excédante.
French
farcical: bouffon, farcesque.
glorious: glorieux, fameux.
hereditary: héréditaire.
imperfect: imparfait.
incapable: incapable, inapte,
incompétent.
likewise: de même, aussi,
pareillement, également.
maxim: maxime, sentence.
monarchical: monarchique.
monarchy: monarchie.
physician: médecin, docteur, docteur
médecin.
presupposes: présuppose.
reciprocally: réciproquement, de
manière réciproque, de façon
réciproque, se.
repaired: réparé.
republican: républicain.
slavish: servile.
springs: sources, tortillons.
therefrom: de là.
thirst: soif, avoir soif.
tyranny: tyrannie.
8 Common Sense

Secondly.—That the commons, by being appointed for that purpose, are either
wiser or more worthy of confidence than the crown.
But as the same constitution which gives the commons a power to check the
king by withholding the supplies, gives afterwards the king a power to check
the commons, by empowering him to reject their other bills; it again supposes
that the king is wiser than those whom it has already supposed to be wiser than
him. A mere absurdity!
There is something exceedingly ridiculous in the composition of monarchy; it
first excludes a man from the means of information, yet empowers him to act in
cases where the highest judgment is required. The state of a king shuts him from
the world, yet the business of a king requires him to know it thoroughly;
wherefore the different parts, by unnaturally opposing and destroying each
other, prove the whole character to be absurd and useless.%
Some writers have explained the English constitution thus; the king, say they,
is one, the people another; the peers are an house in behalf of the king; the
commons in behalf of the people; but this hath all the distinctions of an house
divided against itself; and though the expressions be pleasantly arranged, yet
when examined they appear idle and ambiguous; and it will always happen,
that the nicest construction that words are capable of, when applied to the
description of some thing which either cannot exist, or is too incomprehensible
to be within the compass of description, will be words of sound only, and
though they may amuse the ear, they cannot inform the mind, for this
explanation includes a previous question, viz. How came the king by a power which
the people are afraid to trust, and always obliged to check? Such a power could not be
the gift of a wise people, neither can any power, which needs checking, be from
God; yet the provision, which the constitution makes, supposes such a power to
exist.
But the provision is unequal to the task; the means either cannot or will not
accomplish the end, and the whole affair is a felo de se; for as the greater weight
will always carry up the less, and as all the wheels of a machine are put in
motion by one, it only remains to know which power in the constitution has the

absurd: absurde, aberrant.
absurdity: absurdité.
accomplish: accomplir, accomplissons,
accomplissez, accomplissent,
accomplis, réaliser, réalise, réalisons,
réalisez, réalisent, réalises.
ambiguous: ambigu, amphibologique,
équivoque.
amuse: amuser, amusent, amusons,
amusez, amuse, amuses.
behalf: part.
checking: vérification, contrôle,
French
récolement, pointage.
compass: boussole, compas.
destroying: détruisant, ravageant.
empowering: autorisant, habilitant.
empowers: autorise, habilite.
excludes: exclut, excepte, exempte.
idle: inactif, fainéant, ralenti, au repos,
inoccupé, paresseux, fainéanter.
incomprehensible: incompréhensible.
obliged: obligeâtes, obligeas, obligea,
obligeâmes, obligèrent, obligeai,
obligé.
opposing: opposant, rouspétant.
pleasantly: agréablement, de manière
agréable, de façon agréable.
reject: rejeter, refuser, rejet, repousser,
rebut, rebuter.
supposes: suppose.
unequal: inégal.
unnaturally: de manière anormale,
anormalement, de façon anormale.
wheels: roues.
withholding: retenant.
worthy: digne.
 Thomas Paine 9

most weight, for that will govern; and though the others, or a part of them, may
clog, or, as the phrase is, check the rapidity of its motion, yet so long as they
cannot stop it, their endeavors will be ineffectual; the first moving power will at
last have its way, and what it wants in speed is supplied by time.%
That the crown is this overbearing part in the English constitution needs not
be mentioned, and that it derives its whole consequence merely from being the
giver of places and pensions is self-evident; wherefore, though we have been
wise enough to shut and lock a door against absolute monarchy, we at the same
time have been foolish enough to put the crown in possession of the key.
The prejudice of Englishmen, in favour of their own government by king,
lords and commons, arises as much or more from national pride than reason.
Individuals are undoubtedly safer in England than in some other countries, but
the will of the king is as much the law of the land in Britain as in France, with this
difference, that instead of proceeding directly from his mouth, it is handed to the
people under the more formidable shape of an act of parliament. For the fate of
Charles the first, hath only made kings more subtle--not more just.
Wherefore, laying aside all national pride and prejudice in favour of modes
and forms, the plain truth is, that it is wholly owing to the constitution of the people,
and not to the constitution of the government that the crown is not as oppressive in
England as in Turkey.
An inquiry into the constitutional errors in the English form of government is
at this time highly necessary; for as we are never in a proper condition of doing
justice to others, while we continue under the influence of some leading
partiality, so neither are we capable of doing it to ourselves while we remain
fettered by any obstinate prejudice. And as a man, who is attached to a
prostitute, is unfitted to choose or judge of a wife, so any prepossession in favour
of a rotten constitution of government will disable us from discerning a good
one.

arises: naît.
attached: attaché, attachai, attachèrent,
attachâmes, attacha, attachâtes,
attachas, apposa, apposèrent, apposé,
apposâtes.
clog: boucher, sabot, obstruer, entrave,
raccommoder.
derives: dérive.
discerning: discerner, judicieux,
décernant, discernant.
errors: erreurs.
fate: sort, destinée, fatalité, destin,
French
destination, fortune.
fettered: grevé.
foolish: sot, idiot, stupide,
abracadabrant, insensé.
formidable: formidable,
extraordinaire, prodigieux, singulier,
redoutable.
giver: donateur.
ineffectual: inefficace.
obstinate: obstiné, têtu, tenace, entêté.
oppressive: étouffant, accablant,
oppressif.
overbearing: impérieux.
owing: devant, dû.
partiality: partialité.
plain: plaine, clair, uni, ordinaire, net,
limpide, évident.
prejudice: préjugé, préjudice.
proceeding: procédant, avançant.
prostitute: prostituée, prostituer,
putain, prostitué, fille, fille publique.
rapidity: rapidité.
rotten: pourri, mauvais.
wise: sensé, raisonnable.
10 Common Sense

OF MONARCHY AND HEREDITARY

SUCCESSION

MANKIND%being originally equals in the order of creation, the equality

could only be destroyed by some subsequent circumstance; the distinctions of
rich, and poor, may in a great measure be accounted for, and that without having
recourse to the harsh ill sounding names of oppression and avarice. Oppression
is often the consequence, but seldom or never the means of riches; and though
avarice will preserve a man from being necessitously poor, it generally makes
him too timorous to be wealthy.
But there is another and greater distinction for which no truly natural or
religious reason can be assigned, and that is, the distinction of men into kings
and subjects. Male and female are the distinctions of nature, good and bad the
distinctions of heaven; but how a race of men came into the world so exalted
above the rest, and distinguished like some new species, is worth enquiring into,
and whether they are the means of happiness or of misery to mankind.
In the early ages of the world, according to the scripture chronology, there
were no kings; the consequence of which was there were no wars; it is the pride
of kings which throw mankind into confusion. Holland without a king hath
enjoyed more peace for this last century than any of the monarchical
governments in Europe. Antiquity favors the same remark; for the quiet and

French
according: selon. favors: articles pour fêtes, favorise.
antiquity: antiquité. happiness: bonheur, félicité.
assigned: assigné, assignâtes, assignas, harsh: vulgaire, rude, dur, acerbe,
assigna, assignâmes, assignai, grossier, maussade, rustique, âpre,
assignèrent, attribué, attribuèrent, astringent.
attribua, attribuai. heaven: ciel, paradis.
avarice: avarice. ill: malade, malsain, mal.
chronology: chronologie. misery: misère, tristesse.
circumstance: circonstance. oppression: abus d'autorité,
equality: égalité. oppression.
equals: égale. preserve: conserver, confire, préserver,
exalted: exalté. maintenir, confiture, conserve, mettre
en conserve, retenir, réserve.
pride: fierté, orgueil.
recourse: recours.
remark: remarque, observation,
commentaire, remarquer.
riches: richesse.
scripture: écriture.
seldom: rarement.
sounding: sondage, sonore.
timorous: craintif, timoré.
wars: guerres.
wealthy: riche.
 Thomas Paine 11

rural lives of the first patriarchs hath a happy something in them, which
vanishes away when we come to the history of Jewish royalty.%
Government by kings was first introduced into the world by the Heathens,
from whom the children of Israel copied the custom. It was the most prosperous
invention the Devil ever set on foot for the promotion of idolatry. The Heathens
paid divine honors to their deceased kings, and the Christian world hath
improved on the plan by doing the same to their living ones. How impious is the
title of sacred majesty applied to a worm, who in the midst of his splendor is
crumbling into dust!
As the exalting one man so greatly above the rest cannot be justified on the
equal rights of nature, so neither can it be defended on the authority of scripture;
for the will of the Almighty, as declared by Gideon and the prophet Samuel,
expressly disapproves of government by kings. All anti-monarchical parts of
scripture have been very smoothly glossed over in monarchical governments,
but they undoubtedly merit the attention of countries which have their
governments yet to form. "Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's" is the
scripture doctrine of courts, yet it is no support of monarchical government, for
the Jews at that time were without a king, and in a state of vassalage to the
Romans.
Near three thousand years passed away from the Mosaic account of the
creation, till the Jews under a national delusion requested a king. Till then their
form of government (except in extraordinary cases, where the Almighty
interposed) was a kind of republic administered by a judge and the elders of the
tribes. Kings they had none, and it was held sinful to acknowledge any being
under that title but the Lord of Hosts. And when a man seriously reflects on the
idolatrous homage which is paid to the persons of Kings, he need not wonder,
that the Almighty ever jealous of his honor, should disapprove of a form of
government which so impiously invades the prerogative of heaven.
Monarchy is ranked in scripture as one of the sins of the Jews, for which a
curse in reserve is denounced against them. The history of that transaction is
worth attending to.

copied: copié.
crumbling: effritement, froissant,
émiettage, émiettement, émiettant.
curse: maudire, blasphémer,
malédiction.
delusion: illusion.
denounced: dénonçai, dénoncèrent,
dénonça, dénoncé, dénonçâmes,
dénonças, dénonçâtes.
disapprove: repousser, désapprouver,
repousse, repoussez, repousses,
repoussent, repoussons.
French
disapproves: repousse.
exalting: exaltant.
expressly: expressément.
homage: hommage.
honor: honneur, honorer.
honors: honore.
idolatrous: idolâtre.
idolatry: idolâtrie.
impious: impie.
impiously: de manière impie, de façon
impie.
interposed: interposa, interposai,
interposèrent, interposé, interposâtes,
interposas, intercalèrent, intercalâtes,
intercalas, intercalâmes, intercalai.
invades: envahit.
majesty: majesté, seigneurie.
prerogative: prérogative.
prophet: prophète.
sinful: coupable.
splendor: splendeur.
vanishes: disparaît.
vassalage: vasselage, vassalité.
worm: ver, vis sans fin.
12 Common Sense

The children of Israel being oppressed by the Midianites, Gideon marched

against them with a small army, and victory, thro' the divine interposition,
decided in his favour. The Jews elate with success, and attributing it to the
generalship of Gideon, proposed making him a king, saying, rule thou over us,
thou and thy son and thy son's son. Here was temptation in its fullest extent; not a
kingdom only, but an hereditary one, but Gideon in the piety of his soul replied,
I will not rule over you, neither shall my son rule over you. The Lord shall rule over you.
Words need not be more explicit; Gideon doth not DECLINE the honor, but
denieth their right to give it; neither doth he compliment them with invented
declarations of his thanks, but in the positive stile of a prophet charges them
with disaffection to their proper Sovereign, the King of heaven.%
About one hundred and thirty years after this, they fell again into the same
error. The hankering which the Jews had for the idolatrous customs of the
Heathens, is something exceedingly unaccountable; but so it was, that laying
hold of the misconduct of Samuel's two sons, who were entrusted with some
secular concerns, they came in an abrupt and clamorous manner to Samuel,
saying, behold thou art old, and thy sons walk not in thy ways, now make us a king to
judge us like all the other nations. And here we cannot but observe that their
motives were bad, viz. that they might be LIKE unto other nations, i. e. the
Heathens, whereas their true glory laid in being as much unlike them as possible.
But the thing displeased Samuel when they said, give us a king to judge us; and Samuel
prayed unto the Lord, and the Lord said unto Samuel, hearken unto the voice of the
people in all that they say unto thee, for they have not rejected thee, but they have
rejected me, that I should not reign over them. according to all the works which they have
done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt, even unto this day; wherewith
they have forsaken me and served other Gods; so do they also unto thee. Now therefore
hearken unto their voice, howbeit, protest solemnly unto them and shew them the
manner of the king that shall reign over them, i. e. not of any particular king, but the
general manner of the kings of the earth, whom Israel was so eagerly copying
after. And notwithstanding the great distance of time and difference of manners,
the character is still in fashion. And Samuel told all the words of the Lord unto the
people, that asked of him a king. And he said, this shall be the manner of the king that

abrupt: abrupt, brusque, raide,
inattendu, escarpé, soudain, subit, à
pic.
attributing: attribuant.
behold: voilà, voici, apercevoir, voir.
clamorous: bruyant.
compliment: compliment.
copying: copie, copier, duplication,
copiant.
declarations: conditions particulières.
disaffection: mécontentement.
displeased: mécontent.
French
entrusted: confié, confiâtes, confias,
confiâmes, confièrent, confiai, confia,
chargeâmes, chargèrent, chargeas,
chargeai.
forsaken: abandonné, délaissé.
generalship: prudence, précaution.
hearken: écoutes, écoutez, écoute,
écoutent, écoutons, écouter.
interposition: interposition.
marched: marché.
misconduct: mauvaise conduite,
inconduite, incorrection, mauvaise
administration.
notwithstanding: malgré, nonobstant,
néanmoins.
piety: piété.
prayed: prias, priâtes, priâmes, prié,
pria, prièrent, priai.
solemnly: solennellement, de manière
solennelle, de façon solennelle.
stile: échalier, montant.
thee: toi, te, vous.
thy: ton.
unaccountable: inexplicable.
 Thomas Paine 13

shall reign over %you; he will take your sons and appoint them for himself, for his
chariots, and to be his horsemen, and some shall run before his chariots (this description
agrees with the present mode of impressing men) and he will appoint him
captains over thousands and captains over fifties, and will set them to ear his ground
and to read his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his
chariots; and he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks and to be
bakers (this describes the expence and luxury as well as the oppression of kings)
and he will take your fields and your olive yards, even the best of them, and give them to
his servants; and he will take the tenth of your feed, and of your vineyards, and give
them to his officers and to his servants (by which we see that bribery, corruption,
and favoritism are the standing vices of kings) and he will take the tenth of your
men servants, and your maid servants, and your goodliest young men and your asses,
and put them to his work; and he will take the tenth of your sheep, and ye shall be his
servants, and ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have
chosen, and the Lord will not hear you in that day. This accounts for the continuation
of monarchy; neither do the characters of the few good kings which have lived
since, either sanctify the title, or blot out the sinfulness of the origin; the high
encomium given of David takes no notice of him officially as a king, but only as a
man after God's own heart. Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of
Samuel, and they said, nay, but we will have a king over us, that we may be like all the
nations, and that our king may judge us, and go out before us, and fight our battles.
Samuel continued to reason with them, but to no purpose; he set before them
their ingratitude, but all would not avail; and seeing them fully bent on their
folly, he cried out, I will call unto the Lord, and He shall send thunder and rain
(which then was a punishment, being in the time of wheat harvest) that ye may
perceive and see that your wickedness is great which ye have done in the sight of the
Lord, in asking you a king. So Samuel called unto the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder
and rain that day, and all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. And all the
people said unto Samuel, pray for thy servants unto the Lord thy God that we die not, for
we have added unto our sins this evil, to ask a king. These portions of scripture are
direct and positive. They admit of no equivocal construction. That the Almighty
hath here entered his protest against monarchical government is true, or the

agrees: consent.
appoint: nommer, nomment, nomme,
nommons, nommez, nommes,
désigner, appointer.
avail: avantage, profiter.
bakers: boulangers.
blot: tache, pâté.
bribery: corruption, subornation.
captains: capitaines.
continuation: suite, continuation.
encomium: panégyrique.
equivocal: équivoque.
French
favoritism: favoritisme.
folly: folie, sottise.
harvest: récolte, récolter, moisson,
recueillir, vendange.
impressing: impression,
impressionner.
ingratitude: ingratitude.
luxury: luxe, richesse.
maid: femme de chambre, servante,
domestique, bonne.
obey: obéir, obéissez, obéissons,
obéissent, obéis.
olive: olive, olivâtre.
perceive: apercevoir, apercevons,
apercevez, aperçoivent, aperçois,
percevoir, discerner, percevez,
perçoivent, percevons, perçois.
sanctify: sanctifier, sanctifie,
sanctifions, sanctifies, sanctifiez,
sanctifient.
tenth: dixième.
thunder: tonnerre, tonner, retenir.
vineyards: vignobles.
wheat: blé, froment.
14 Common Sense

scripture is false. And a man hath good reason to believe that there is as much of
king-craft, as priest-craft, in withholding the scripture from the public in Popish
countries. For monarchy in every instance is the Popery of government.%
To the evil of monarchy we have added that of hereditary succession; and as
the first is a degradation and lessening of ourselves, so the second, claimed as a
matter of right, is an insult and an imposition on posterity. For all men being
originally equals, no ONE by BIRTH could have a right to set up his own family
in perpetual preference to all others for ever, and though himself might deserve
SOME decent degree of honors of his cotemporaries, yet his descendants might
be far too unworthy to inherit them. One of the strongest natural proofs of the
folly of hereditary right in kings, is, that nature disapproves it, otherwise, she
would not so frequently turn it into ridicule by giving mankind an ass for a lion.
Secondly, as no man at first could possess any other public honors than were
bestowed upon him, so the givers of those honors could have no power to give
away the right of posterity, and though they might say "We choose you for our
head," they could not, without manifest injustice to their children, say "that your
children and your children's children shall reign over ours for ever." Because
such an unwise, unjust, unnatural compact might (perhaps) in the next
succession put them under the government of a rogue or a fool. Most wise men,
in their private sentiments, have ever treated hereditary right with contempt; yet
it is one of those evils, which when once established is not easily removed; many
submit from fear, others from superstition, and the more powerful part shares
with the king the plunder of the rest.
This is supposing the present race of kings in the world to have had an
honorable origin; whereas it is more than probable, that could we take off the
dark covering of antiquity, and trace them to their first rise, that we should find
the first of them nothing better than the principal ruffian of some restless gang,
whose savage manners or pre-eminence in subtility obtained him the title of
chief among plunderers; and who by increasing in power, and extending his
depredations, over-awed the quiet and defenceless to purchase their safety by
frequent contributions. Yet his electors could have no idea of giving hereditary

French
ass: âne, baudet, cul. insult: insulte, insulter, offenser, restless: agité, remuant.
compact: compact, compacter. injure, affront, injurier. ridicule: ridicule, ridiculiser.
contempt: mépris. lessening: diminuant, amoindrissant. rogue: gredin, canaille, polisson,
degradation: dégradation. lion: lion. fripon, escroc.
descendants: descendance. manifest: manifeste, manifester, ruffian: apache.
extending: étendant. évident. savage: sauvage.
givers: donateurs. manners: moeurs. superstition: superstition.
honorable: honorable. perpetual: perpétuel. supposing: supposant.
imposition: imposition. plunder: piller, ravir, pillage. unjust: injuste.
inherit: hériter, hérite, hérites, héritez, posterity: postérité. unnatural: anormal.
héritons, héritent. probable: probable, vraisemblable. unwise: imprudent.
injustice: injustice. proofs: épreuves. unworthy: indigne.
 Thomas Paine 15

right to his descendants, because such a perpetual exclusion of themselves was

incompatible with the free and unrestrained principles they professed to live
by. Wherefore, hereditary succession in the early ages of monarchy could not
take place as a matter of claim, but as something casual or complimental; but as
few or no records were extant in those days, and traditionary history stuffed
with fables, it was very easy, after the lapse of a few generations, to trump up
some superstitious tale, conveniently timed, Mahomet like, to cram hereditary
right down the throats of the vulgar. Perhaps the disorders which threatened, or
seemed to threaten, on the decease of a leader and the choice of a new one (for
elections among ruffians could not be very orderly) induced many at first to
favor hereditary pretensions; by which means it happened, as it hath happened
since, that what at first was submitted to as a convenience, was afterwards
claimed as a right.%
England, since the conquest, hath known some few good monarchs, but
groaned beneath a much larger number of bad ones; yet no man in his senses can
say that their claim under William the Conqueror is a very honorable one. A
French bastard landing with an armed banditti, and establishing himself king of
England against the consent of the natives, is in plain terms a very paltry rascally
original. It certainly hath no divinity in it. However, it is needless to spend much
time in exposing the folly of hereditary right, if there are any so weak as to
believe it, let them promiscuously worship the ass and lion, and welcome. I shall
neither copy their humility, nor disturb their devotion.
Yet I should be glad to ask how they suppose kings came at first? The
question admits but of three answers, viz. either by lot, by election, or by
usurpation. If the first king was taken by lot, it establishes a precedent for the
next, which excludes hereditary succession. Saul was by lot, yet the succession
was not hereditary, neither does it appear from that transaction there was any
intention it ever should. If the first king of any country was by election, that
likewise establishes a precedent for the next; for to say, that the right of all future
generations is taken away, by the act of the first electors, in their choice not only
of a king, but of a family of kings for ever, hath no parallel in or out of scripture

admits: admet.
conquest: conquête.
conveniently: de manière commode,
de façon commode.
cram: fourrer, gaver.
decease: décès, décéder.
devotion: dévotion, dévouement.
disturb: déranger, dérange, dérangez,
dérangeons, dérangent, déranges,
gêner, gênons, gênez, gênes, gênent.
divinity: divinité.
establishes: constate, établit.
French
exposing: exposant.
humility: humilité, modestie.
incompatible: incompatible,
inconciliable.
lapse: déchéance, défaillance,
retomber.
monarchs: monarques.
needless: inutile.
orderly: ordonné, méthodique.
paltry: misérable.
precedent: précédent.
professed: confessèrent, confessé,
confessâtes, confessas, confessâmes,
confessa, confessai, professâtes,
professas, professa, professai.
promiscuously: de manière immorale,
de façon immorale.
stuffed: bourré.
superstitious: superstitieux.
throats: gorges.
trump: atout.
unrestrained: effréné.
usurpation: usurpation.
vulgar: vulgaire, trivial.
16 Common Sense

but the doctrine of original sin, which supposes the free will of all men lost in
Adam; and from such comparison, and it will admit of no other, hereditary
succession can derive no glory. For as in Adam all sinned, and as in the first
electors all men obeyed; as in the one all mankind were subjected to Satan, and in
the other to Sovereignty; as our innocence was lost in the first, and our authority
in the last; and as both disable us from reassuming some former state and
privilege, it unanswerably follows that original sin and hereditary succession are
parallels. Dishonorable rank! Inglorious connexion! Yet the most subtile sophist
cannot produce a juster simile.%
As to usurpation, no man will be so hardy as to defend it; and that William
the Conqueror was an usurper is a fact not to be contradicted. The plain truth is,
that the antiquity of English monarchy will not bear looking into.
But it is not so much the absurdity as the evil of hereditary succession which
concerns mankind. Did it ensure a race of good and wise men it would have the
seal of divine authority, but as it opens a door to the foolish, the wicked, and the
improper, it hath in it the nature of oppression. Men who look upon themselves
born to reign, and others to obey, soon grow insolent; selected from the rest of
mankind their minds are early poisoned by importance; and the world they act
in differs so materially from the world at large, that they have but little
opportunity of knowing its true interests, and when they succeed to the
government are frequently the most ignorant and unfit of any throughout the
dominions.
Another evil which attends hereditary succession is, that the throne is subject
to be possessed by a minor at any age; all which time the regency, acting under
the cover of a king, have every opportunity and inducement to betray their trust.
The same national misfortune happens, when a king worn out with age and
infirmity, enters the last stage of human weakness. In both these cases the public
becomes a prey to every miscreant, who can tamper successfully with the follies
either of age or infancy.
The most plausible plea, which hath ever been offered in favour of
hereditary succession, is, that it preserves a nation from civil wars; and were this

attends: assiste, soigne.
betray: trahir, trahissent, trahissez,
trahis, trahissons.
contradicted: contredirent, contredis,
contredit, contredîtes, contredîmes.
derive: dériver, dérive, dérivez,
dérivent, dérivons, dérives, provenir.
differs: diffère.
dishonorable: déshonorant.
divine: divin.
enters: entre, introduit.
follies: folies.
French
hardy: courageux, robuste. parallels: cales d'épaisseur.
ignorant: ignorant. plausible: vraisemblable.
improper: inexact, incorrect. plea: argument, plaider.
inducement: incitation, lieu, occasion. poisoned: empoisonné.
infancy: petite enfance, enfance, preserves: conserves, conserve.
minorité. regency: régence.
infirmity: infirmité. sophist: sophiste.
inglorious: déshonorant. tamper: altérer.
insolent: insolent, effronté. throne: trône.
materially: matériellement. unfit: inapte.
misfortune: malheur, infortune, usurper: usurpateur.
malchance. wicked: mauvais, méchant.
 Thomas Paine 17

true, it would be weighty; whereas, it is the most barefaced falsity ever imposed
upon mankind. The whole history of England disowns the fact. Thirty kings and
two minors have reigned in that distracted kingdom since the conquest, in
which time there have been (including the Revolution) no less than eight civil
wars and nineteen rebellions. Wherefore instead of making for peace, it makes
against it, and destroys the very foundation it seems to stand on.%
The contest for monarchy and succession, between the houses of York and
Lancaster, laid England in a scene of blood for many years. Twelve pitched
battles, besides skirmishes and sieges, were fought between Henry and Edward.
Twice was Henry prisoner to Edward, who in his turn was prisoner to Henry.
And so uncertain is the fate of war and the temper of a nation, when nothing but
personal matters are the ground of a quarrel, that Henry was taken in triumph
from a prison to a palace, and Edward obliged to fly from a palace to a foreign
land; yet, as sudden transitions of temper are seldom lasting, Henry in his turn
was driven from the throne, and Edward recalled to succeed him. The
parliament always following the strongest side.
This contest began in the reign of Henry the Sixth, and was not entirely
extinguished till Henry the Seventh, in whom the families were united.
Including a period of 67 years, viz. from 1422 to 1489.
In short, monarchy and succession have laid (not this or that kingdom only)
but the world in blood and ashes. 'Tis a form of government which the word of
God bears testimony against, and blood will attend it.
If we inquire into the business of a king, we shall find that in some countries
they have none; and after sauntering away their lives without pleasure to
themselves or advantage to the nation, withdraw from the scene, and leave their
successors to tread the same idle round. In absolute monarchies the whole
weight of business, civil and military, lies on the king; the children of Israel in
their request for a king, urged this plea "that he may judge us, and go out before
us and fight our battles." But in countries where he is neither a judge nor a
general, as in England, a man would be puzzled to know what IS his business.

French
ashes: cendres. perpétuel, durable. tempérament, trempe, tempérer,
barefaced: effronté. minors: mineurs. gâcher.
bears: ours. pitched: abattu. testimony: témoignage, déposition.
contest: concours, contester, disputer. prisoner: prisonnier, détenu. tread: piétiner, bande de roulement,
destroys: détruit, ravage. quarrel: querelle, dispute, se quereller, chape, giron, fouler aux pieds, faire
disowns: renie. se disputer, noise. les cent pas, semelle, marcher sur,
distracted: distrait. rebellions: rébellions. fouler.
extinguished: éteignîtes, éteint, recalled: rappelé. triumph: triomphe, triompher.
éteignîmes, éteignit, éteignis, reigned: régné. weighty: important, lourd.
éteignirent. sauntering: flânant. withdraw: retirer, retire, retirent,
falsity: fausseté. skirmishes: escarmouches. retires, retirez, retirons, décéder,
lasting: permanent, continuel, temper: humeur, tremper, durcir, prélever.
18 Common Sense

The%nearer any government approaches to a republic the less business there

is for a king. It is somewhat difficult to find a proper name for the government of
England. Sir William Meredith calls it a republic; but in its present state it is
unworthy of the name, because the corrupt influence of the crown, by having all
the places in its disposal, hath so effectually swallowed up the power, and eaten
out the virtue of the house of commons (the republican part in the constitution)
that the government of England is nearly as monarchical as that of France or
Spain. Men fall out with names without understanding them. For it is the
republican and not the monarchical part of the constitution of England which
Englishmen glory in, viz. the liberty of choosing an house of commons from out
of their own body--and it is easy to see that when republican virtue fails, slavery
ensues. Why is the constitution of England sickly, but because monarchy hath
poisoned the republic, the crown hath engrossed the commons?
In England a king hath little more to do than to make war and give away
places; which in plain terms, is to impoverish the nation and set it together by
the ears. A pretty business indeed for a man to be allowed eight hundred
thousand sterling a year for, and worshipped into the bargain! Of more worth is
one honest man to society and in the sight of God, than all the crowned ruffians
that ever lived.

French
approaches: approches, rapproche. effectually: de manière efficace, de appauvrissent.
bargain: marchander, négocier, bonne façon efficace. liberty: liberté.
affaire, affaire, occasion, marché. engrossed: grossoyèrent, grossoyai, names: noms.
calls: appelle. grossoyâmes, grossoyas, grossoyâtes, nation: nation, peuple.
choosing: choisissant, optant. grossoyé, grossoya. republic: république.
commons: biens communaux. ensues: résulte. sickly: maladif, de manière malade,
constitution: constitution. fails: faut. écoeurant, de façon malade, malsain.
corrupt: corrompu, corrompre. glory: gloire, renommée, réputation. slavery: esclavage.
crowned: couronné. honest: honnête, intègre, sincère, sterling: de bon aloi, de confiance,
disposal: disposition, vente. loyal. sterling.
ears: oreilles. impoverish: appauvrir, appauvris, swallowed: avalé.
eaten: mangé. appauvrissez, appauvrissons, virtue: vertu.
 Thomas Paine 19

THOUGHTS ON THE PRESENT STATE OF

AMERICAN AFFAIRS

IN%the following pages I offer nothing more than simple facts, plain
arguments, and common sense; and have no other preliminaries to settle with
the reader, than that he will divest himself of prejudice and prepossession, and
suffer his reason and his feelings to determine for themselves; that he will put
on, or rather that he will not put off, the true character of a man, and generously
enlarge his views beyond the present day.
Volumes have been written on the subject of the struggle between England
and America. Men of all ranks have embarked in the controversy, from different
motives, and with various designs; but all have been ineffectual, and the period
of debate is closed. Arms, as the last resource, decide the contest; the appeal was
the choice of the king, and the continent hath accepted the challenge.
It hath been reported of the late Mr. Pelham (who tho' an able minister was
not without his faults) that on his being attacked in the house of commons, on
the score, that his measures were only of a temporary kind, replied, "They will
last my time." Should a thought so fatal and unmanly possess the colonies in the
present contest, the name of ancestors will be remembered by future generations
with detestation.

French
ancestors: ancêtres. embarquâmes, embarquai, measures: mesures.
arguments: argumentaire. embarqua, embarquâtes, embarquas. motives: motifs.
attacked: attaqué. enlarge: agrandir, agrandissons, possess: posséder, possède, possèdes,
continent: continent. agrandissez, agrandis, agrandissent, possédons, possèdent, possédez.
controversy: polémique, controverse. étendre, accroître, augmenter, preliminaries: pages liminaires,
detestation: haine. amplifier. préliminaires.
divest: dessaisir, dépouiller, facts: faits. ranks: rangs.
abandonner, dépouillons, fatal: fatal, mortel. reader: lecteur.
dessaisissons, dessaisissez, dessaisis, feelings: sentiments. reported: rapporté.
dépouillez, dépouilles, abandonnent, generations: générations. resource: ressource, ressources.
dessaisissent. generously: de manière généreuse, de unmanly: lâche.
embarked: embarqué, embarquèrent, façon généreuse. views: vues.
20 Common Sense

The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth. 'Tis not the affair of a city,
a country, a province, or a kingdom, but of a continent--of at least one eighth part
of the habitable globe. 'Tis not the concern of a day, a year, or an age; posterity
are virtually involved in the contest, and will be more or less affected, even to the
end of time, by the proceedings now. Now is the seed time of continental union,
faith and honor. The least fracture now will be like a name engraved with the
point of a pin on the tender rind of a young oak; The wound will enlarge with
the tree, and posterity read it in full grown characters.%
By referring the matter from argument to arms, a new era for politics is
struck; a new method of thinking hath arisen. All plans, proposals, &c. prior to
the nineteenth of April, I. E. to the commencement of hostilities, are like the
almanacks of the last year; which, though proper then, are superceded and
useless now. Whatever was advanced by the advocates on either side of the
question then, terminated in one and the same point, viz. a union with Great
Britain; the only difference between the parties was the method of effecting it; the
one proposing force, the other friendship; but it hath so far happened that the
first hath failed, and the second hath withdrawn her influence.
As much hath been said of the advantages of reconciliation, which, like an
agreeable dream, hath passed away and left us as we were, it is but right, that
we should examine the contrary side of the argument, and inquire into some of
the many material injuries which these colonies sustain, and always will sustain,
by being connected with, and dependant on Great Britain. To examine that
connexion and dependance, on the principles of nature and common sense, to
see what we have to trust to, if separated, and what we are to expect, if
dependant.
I have heard it asserted by some, that as America hath flourished under her
former connexion with Great Britain, that the same connexion is necessary
towards her future happiness, and will always have the same effect. Nothing can
be more fallacious than this kind of argument. We may as well assert that
because a child has thrived upon milk, that it is never to have meat, or that the
first twenty years of our lives is to become a precedent for the next twenty. But

advocates: défenseurs.
agreeable: agréable, aimable.
arisen: né.
assert: affirmer, affirme, affirmes,
affirment, affirmez, affirmons.
asserted: affirmé, affirmâtes, affirmas,
affirmèrent, affirma, affirmâmes,
affirmai.
commencement: début,
commencement, inauguration.
contrary: contraire, opposé,
contradictoire.
French
dependance: dépendance.
dependant: personne à charge.
engraved: gravé, gravai, gravâtes,
gravèrent, grava, gravas, gravâmes.
fallacious: trompeur, fallacieux.
flourished: prospéra, prospérèrent,
prospéré, prospérâtes, prospéras,
prospérâmes, prospérai.
fracture: fracture, cassure, rupture,
fracturer.
globe: globe, chape de trolley.
habitable: habitable.
hostilities: hostilités.
proposing: proposant.
reconciliation: réconciliation.
rind: couenne, croûte, écorce, peau.
shined: reluite, brillé, relui, reluites,
reluits.
terminated: terminâtes, terminas,
terminai, terminâmes, termina,
terminèrent, terminé.
thrived: prospéra, prospérai,
prospérâmes, prospéras, prospérâtes,
prospérèrent, prospéré.
 Thomas Paine 21

even this is admitting more than is true, for I answer roundly, that America
would have flourished as much, and probably much more, had no European
power had any thing to do with her. The commerce, by which she hath enriched
herself are the necessaries of life, and will always have a market while eating is
the custom of Europe.%
But she has protected us, say some. That she hath engrossed us is true, and
defended the continent at our expence as well as her own is admitted, and she
would have defended Turkey from the same motive, viz. the sake of trade and
dominion.
Alas, we have been long led away by ancient prejudices, and made large
sacrifices to superstition. We have boasted the protection of Great Britain,
without considering, that her motive was interest not attachment; that she did
not protect us from our enemies on our account, but from her enemies on her own
account, from those who had no quarrel with us on any other account, and who
will always be our enemies on the same account. Let Britain wave her pretensions
to the continent, or the continent throw off the dependance, and we should be at
peace with France and Spain were they at war with Britain. The miseries of
Hanover last war ought to warn us against connexions.
It hath lately been asserted in parliament, that the colonies have no relation
to each other but through the parent country, I. E. that Pennsylvania and the
Jerseys, and so on for the rest, are sister colonies by the way of England; this is
certainly a very round-about way of proving relationship, but it is the nearest
and only true way of proving enemyship, if I may so call it. France and Spain
never were, nor perhaps ever will be our enemies as Americans, but as our being
the subjects of Great Britain.
But Britain is the parent country, say some. Then the more shame upon her
conduct. Even brutes do not devour their young, nor savages make war upon
their families; wherefore the assertion, if true, turns to her reproach; but it
happens not to be true, or only partly so, and the phrase parent or mother country
hath been jesuitically adopted by the king and his parasites, with a low papistical
design of gaining an unfair bias on the credulous weakness of our minds.

admitting: admettant.
alas: hélas, malheureusement.
assertion: assertion, affirmation.
attachment: attachement, saisie,
accessoire, annexe, attache.
bias: biais, parti pris, préjugé,
distorsion, polarisation, erreur
systématique, partialité.
commerce: commerce.
credulous: crédule.
custom: coutume, habitude, usage.
defended: défendu, défendirent,
French
défendis, défendit, défendîmes,
défendîtes.
devour: dévorer, dévorent, dévorons,
dévores, dévore, dévorez.
dominion: domination.
enriched: enrichi, enrichîmes,
enrichirent, enrichis, enrichit,
enrichîtes.
lately: dernièrement, de manière
tarde, de façon tardive, récemment.
motive: motif, lieu, occasion, mobile,
motivation.
necessaries: articles d'usage.
proving: prouvant, éprouvant.
reproach: reproche, reprocher,
réprimander, gronder, sermonner,
reprendre.
roundly: de manière ronde, de façon
ronde, rondement.
sacrifices: sacrifie.
shame: honte, pouah, vergogne.
warn: avertir, avertissons, avertissent,
avertis, avertissez, alerter, alerte,
alertons, alertez, alertent, alertes.
22 Common Sense

Europe, and not England, is the parent country of America. This new world hath
been the asylum for the persecuted lovers of civil and religious liberty from every
part of Europe. Hither have they fled, not from the tender embraces of the
mother, but from the cruelty of the monster; and it is so far true of England, that
the same tyranny which drove the first emigrants from home, pursues their
descendants still.%
In this extensive quarter of the globe, we forget the narrow limits of three
hundred and sixty miles (the extent of England) and carry our friendship on a
larger scale; we claim brotherhood with every European Christian, and triumph
in the generosity of the sentiment.
It is pleasant to observe by what regular gradations we surmount the force of
local prejudice, as we enlarge our acquaintance with the world. A man born in
any town in England divided into parishes, will naturally associate most with
his fellow parishioners (because their interests in many cases will be common)
and distinguish him by the name of neighbour; if he meet him but a few miles
from home, he drops the narrow idea of a street, and salutes him by the name of
townsman; if he travel out of the county, and meet him in any other, he forgets
the minor divisions of street and town, and calls him countryman; i. e. county-
man; but if in their foreign excursions they should associate in France or any
other part of Europe, their local remembrance would be enlarged into that of
Englishmen. And by a just parity of reasoning, all Europeans meeting in America,
or any other quarter of the globe, are countrymen; for England, Holland,
Germany, or Sweden, when compared with the whole, stand in the same places
on the larger scale, which the divisions of street, town, and county do on the
smaller ones; distinctions too limited for continental minds. Not one third of the
inhabitants, even of this province, are of English descent. Wherefore I reprobate
the phrase of parent or mother country applied to England only, as being false,
selfish, narrow and ungenerous.
But admitting, that we were all of English descent, what does it amount to?
Nothing. Britain, being now an open enemy, extinguishes every other name and
title: And to say that reconciliation is our duty, is truly farcical. The first king of

acquaintance: connaissance, relation,
personne de connaissance, abord.
associate: associé, associer,
s'accoupler.
asylum: asile, refuge, abri.
brotherhood: fraternité, confrérie.
countryman: paysan.
cruelty: cruauté, sévices.
drops: drops.
embraces: embrasse.
enlarged: agrandi, agrandirent,
agrandîmes, agrandîtes, agrandis,
French
agrandit. persecuted: poursuivîtes, poursuivit,
excursions: promenades. poursuivis, poursuivirent,
extinguishes: éteint. poursuivîmes, poursuivi, persécutas,
fled: fuîtes, fuit, fuis, fuirent, fuîmes, persécutâtes, persécutâmes,
fui, échappâtes, échappé, échappas, persécutai, persécuta.
échappâmes, échappai. pursues: poursuit.
forgets: oublie. reasoning: raisonnement.
generosity: générosité, largesse. remembrance: souvenir, mémoire.
hither: ici. reprobate: réprouvé, réprouver.
monster: monstre, clébard. selfish: égoïste.
parishes: paroisses. sentiment: sentiment.
parity: parité. townsman: citadin.
 Thomas Paine 23

England, of the present line (William the Conqueror) was a Frenchman, and half
the Peers of England are descendants from the same country; wherefore, by the
same method of reasoning, England ought to be governed by France.%
Much hath been said of the united strength of Britain and the colonies, that in
conjunction they might bid defiance to the world. But this is mere presumption;
the fate of war is uncertain, neither do the expressions mean any thing; for this
continent would never suffer itself to be drained of inhabitants, to support the
British arms in either Asia, Africa, or Europe.
Besides, what have we to do with setting the world at defiance? Our plan is
commerce, and that, well attended to, will secure us the peace and friendship of
all Europe; because, it is the interest of all Europe to have America a free port. Her
trade will always be a protection, and her barrenness of gold and silver secure
her from invaders.
I challenge the warmest advocate for reconciliation, to shew, a single
advantage that this continent can reap, by being connected with Great Britain. I
repeat the challenge, not a single advantage is derived. Our corn will fetch its
price in any market in Europe, and our imported goods must be paid for buy
them where we will.
But the injuries and disadvantages we sustain by that connection, are
without number; and our duty to mankind at large, as well as to ourselves,
instruct us to renounce the alliance: Because, any submission to, or dependance
on Great Britain, tends directly to involve this continent in European wars and
quarrels; and sets us at variance with nations, who would otherwise seek our
friendship, and against whom, we have neither anger nor complaint. As Europe
is our market for trade, we ought to form no partial connection with any part of
it. It is the true interest of America to steer clear of European contentions, which
she never can do, while by her dependance on Britain, she is made the make-
weight in the scale on British politics.
Europe is too thickly planted with kingdoms to be long at peace, and
whenever a war breaks out between England and any foreign power, the trade of
America goes to ruin, because of her connection with Britain. The next war may not

advocate: avocat, défenseur,
préconiser.
barrenness: stérilité, aridité.
conjunction: conjonction, intersection.
defiance: défi.
disadvantages: désavantages.
drained: drainé.
governed: gouvernâtes, gouvernas,
gouverné, gouvernèrent, gouvernai,
gouvernâmes, gouverna, régnâmes,
régna, régnèrent, régné.
imported: importé.
French
instruct: instruire, instruisent,
instruisons, instruis, instruisez,
donner des instructions, enseigner.
invaders: envahisseurs.
kingdoms: royaumes.
planted: planté.
presumption: présomption,
supposition.
quarrels: querelles.
reap: moissonner, moissonne,
moissonnent, moissonnes,
moissonnez, moissonnons.
renounce: renoncer, renonce,
renonces, renoncez, renonçons,
renoncent, abandonner, abjurer,
résigner, renier.
ruin: ruine, ruiner, abîmer, abaisser,
ravager.
steer: diriger, conduire, boeuf, piloter,
bouvillon, gouverner.
submission: soumission, dépôt.
thickly: de manière épaisse, de façon
épaisse.
variance: variance, désaccord.
24 Common Sense

turn out like the last, and should it not, the advocates for reconciliation now will
be wishing for separation then, because, neutrality in that case, would be a safer
convoy than a man of war. Every thing that is right or natural pleads for
separation. The blood of the slain, the weeping voice of nature cries, 'tis time to
part. Even the distance at which the Almighty hath placed England and America,
is a strong and natural proof, that the authority of the one, over the other, was
never the design of Heaven. The time likewise at which the continent was
discovered, adds weight to the argument, and the manner in which it was
peopled encreases the force of it. The reformation was preceded by the discovery
of America, as if the Almighty graciously meant to open a sanctuary to the
persecuted in future years, when home should afford neither friendship nor
safety.%
The authority of Great Britain over this continent, is a form of government,
which sooner or later must have an end: And a serious mind can draw no true
pleasure by looking forward, under the painful and positive conviction, that
what he calls "the present constitution" is merely temporary. As parents, we can
have no joy, knowing that this government is not sufficiently lasting to ensure any
thing which we may bequeath to posterity: And by a plain method of argument,
as we are running the next generation into debt, we ought to do the work of it,
otherwise we use them meanly and pitifully. In order to discover the line of our
duty rightly, we should take our children in our hand, and fix our station a few
years farther into life; that eminence will present a prospect, which a few present
fears and prejudices conceal from our sight.
Though I would carefully avoid giving unnecessary offence, yet I am
inclined to believe, that all those who espouse the doctrine of reconciliation, may
be included within the following descriptions. Interested men, who are not to be
trusted; weak men, who cannot see; prejudiced men, who will not see; and a
certain set of moderate men, who think better of the European world than it
deserves; and this last class, by an ill-judged deliberation, will be the cause of
more calamities to this continent, than all the other three.

bequeath: léguer, léguons, lègues,
lègue, léguez, lèguent.
conceal: cacher, cachons, cachez,
cachent, caches, cache, dissimuler,
dissimulons, dissimulez, dissimule,
dissimulent.
convoy: convoi.
cries: pleure.
deliberation: délibération.
deserves: mérite.
eminence: éminence.
espouse: épouser, épouse, épousent,
French
épouses, épousez, épousons.
farther: plus loin.
graciously: de manière gracieuse, de
façon gracieuse.
inclined: incliné, enclin.
meanly: de manière moyenne, de
façon moyenne, chichement.
moderate: modéré, raisonnable,
ralentir, abordable, modérer, retenir.
neutrality: neutralité.
pitifully: de manière pitoyable, de
façon pitoyable.
pleads: plaide.
preceded: précédas, précédâtes,
précédâmes, précédai, précéda,
précédèrent, précédé, avancé,
avançâtes, avanças, avançâmes.
prejudiced: préjugé, plein de préjugés,
prévenu.
reformation: réforme.
sanctuary: sanctuaire, asile, réserve,
refuge.
slain: tué.
weeping: pleurant.
 Thomas Paine 25

It is the good fortune of many to live distant from the scene of sorrow; the
evil is not sufficiently brought to THEIR doors to make THEM feel the
precariousness with which all American property is possessed. But let our
imaginations transport us for a few moments to Boston, that seat of
wretchedness will teach us wisdom, and instruct us for ever to renounce a
power in whom we can have no trust. The inhabitants of that unfortunate city,
who but a few months ago were in ease and affluence, have now, no other
alternative than to stay and starve, or turn out to beg. Endangered by the fire of
their friends if they continue within the city, and plundered by the soldiery if
they leave it. In their present condition they are prisoners without the hope of
redemption, and in a general attack for their relief, they would be exposed to the
fury of both armies.%
Men of passive tempers look somewhat lightly over the offences of Britain,
and, still hoping for the best, are apt to call out, "Come, come, we shall be friends
again, for all this." But examine the passions and feelings of mankind, Bring the
doctrine of reconciliation to the touchstone of nature, and then tell me, whether
you can hereafter love, honour, and faithfully serve the power that hath carried
fire and sword into your land? If you cannot do all these, then are you only
deceiving yourselves, and by your delay bringing ruin upon posterity. Your
future connection with Britain, whom you can neither love nor honour, will be
forced and unnatural, and being formed only on the plan of present convenience,
will in a little time fall into a relapse more wretched than the first. But if you say,
you can still pass the violations over, then I ask, Hath your house been burnt?
Hath your property been destroyed before your face? Are your wife and children
destitute of a bed to lie on, or bread to live on? Have you lost a parent or a child
by their hands, and yourself the ruined and wretched survivor? If you have not,
then are you not a judge of those who have. But if you have, and still can shake
hands with the murderers, then you are unworthy of the name of husband,
father, friend, or lover, and whatever may be your rank or title in life, you have
the heart of a coward, and the spirit of a sycophant.

affluence: richesse, abondance,
aisance.
apt: doué.
burnt: brûlé.
coward: lâche, couard, peureux,
poltron.
deceiving: trompant, trichant.
destitute: dépourvu, indigent.
endangered: MIS en danger,
compromit, risqué, risquâtes, risquas,
risquâmes, risquai, compromîtes,
compromis, compromirent,
French
compromîmes.
faithfully: de manière fidèle, de façon
fidèle, fidèlement, loyalement.
hereafter: désormais, dorénavant,
après l'entrée en vigueur de la
présente loi, après.
murderers: meurtriers.
passions: passions.
plundered: pillé.
precariousness: précarité.
redemption: rédemption,
amortissement, remboursement,
rachat.
relapse: rechute, rechuter.
ruined: ruiné.
soldiery: soldats, militaires.
sorrow: abattement, chagrin.
starve: affamer, affame, affames,
affament, affamez, affamons, mourir
de faim.
survivor: survivant, rescapé.
sycophant: flagorneur.
touchstone: pierre de touche.
wretchedness: misère.
26 Common Sense

This is not inflaming or exaggerating matters, but trying them by those

feelings and affections which nature justifies, and without which, we should be
incapable of discharging the social duties of life, or enjoying the felicities of it. I
mean not to exhibit horror for the purpose of provoking revenge, but to awaken
us from fatal and unmanly slumbers, that we may pursue determinately some
fixed object. It is not in the power of Britain or of Europe to conquer America, if
she do not conquer herself by delay and timidity. The present winter is worth an
age if rightly employed, but if lost or neglected, the whole continent will partake
of the misfortune; and there is no punishment which that man will not deserve,
be he who, or what, or where he will, that may be the means of sacrificing a
season so precious and useful.%
It is repugnant to reason, to the universal order of things to all examples from
former ages, to suppose, that this continent can longer remain subject to any
external power. The most sanguine in Britain does not think so. The utmost
stretch of human wisdom cannot, at this time, compass a plan short of
separation, which can promise the continent even a year's security.
Reconciliation is now a falacious dream. Nature hath deserted the connexion, and
Art cannot supply her place. For, as Milton wisely expresses, "never can true
reconcilement grow where wounds of deadly hate have pierced so deep."
Every quiet method for peace hath been ineffectual. Our prayers have been
rejected with disdain; and only tended to convince us, that nothing flatters
vanity, or confirms obstinacy in Kings more than repeated petitioning--and
noting hath contributed more than that very measure to make the Kings of
Europe absolute: Witness Denmark and Sweden. Wherefore, since nothing but
blows will do, for God's sake, let us come to a final separation, and not leave the
next generation to be cutting throats, under the violated unmeaning names of
parent and child.
To say, they will never attempt it again is idle and visionary, we thought so
at the repeal of the stamp act, yet a year or two undeceived us; as well may we
suppose that nations, which have been once defeated, will never renew the
quarrel.

awaken: réveiller, réveilles, réveille,
réveillons, réveillez, réveillent.
conquer: conquérir, conquièrent,
conquérez, conquérons, conquiers.
determinately: de manière
determinée, de façon determinée.
discharging: décharge, déchargement,
déchargeant.
disdain: dédain.
exaggerating: exagérant.
flatters: flatte, adule, amadoue.
inflaming: enflammant.
French
justifies: justifie.
obstinacy: obstination, entêtement.
partake: prends, prenez, prennent,
prenons, prendre.
pierced: perçâmes, perçai, perçâtes,
perça, percèrent, percé, perças.
provoking: provoquant.
repeal: abrogation, abroger,
annulation, annuler, révoquer,
révocation.
repugnant: répugnant.
sacrificing: sacrifiant.
sanguine: sanguin.
timidity: timidité.
undeceived: détrompai,
détrompâmes, détrompas,
détrompâtes, détrompé,
détrompèrent, détrompa.
vanity: vanité, futilité.
violated: violâtes, violas, violâmes,
violé, violèrent, viola, violai,
enfreignirent, enfreint, enfreignîtes,
attentâmes.
visionary: visionnaire.
 Thomas Paine 27

As to government matters, it is not in the power of Britain to do this continent

justice: The business of it will soon be too weighty, and intricate, to be managed
with any tolerable degree of convenience, by a power, so distant from us, and so
very ignorant of us; for if they cannot conquer us, they cannot govern us. To be
always running three or four thousand miles with a tale or a petition, waiting
four or five months for an answer, which when obtained requires five or six
more to explain it in, will in a few years be looked upon as folly and
childishness--There was a time when it was proper, and there is a proper time for
it to cease.%
Small islands not capable of protecting themselves, are the proper objects for
kingdoms to take under their care; but there is something very absurd, in
supposing a continent to be perpetually governed by an island. In no instance
hath nature made the satellite larger than its primary planet, and as England and
America, with respect to each other, reverses the common order of nature, it is
evident they belong to different systems: England to Europe, America to itself.
I am not induced by motives of pride, party, or resentment to espouse the
doctrine of separation and independance; I am clearly, positively, and
conscientiously persuaded that it is the true interest of this continent to be so;
that every thing short of THAT is mere patchwork, that it can afford no lasting
felicity,--that it is leaving the sword to our children, and shrinking back at a
time, when, a little more, a little farther, would have rendered this continent the
glory of the earth.
As Britain hath not manifested the least inclination towards a compromise,
we may be assured that no terms can be obtained worthy the acceptance of the
continent, or any ways equal to the expense of blood and treasure we have been
already put to.
The object, contended for, ought always to bear some just proportion to the
expense. The removal of North, or the whole detestable junto, is a matter
unworthy the millions we have expended. A temporary stoppage of trade, was
an inconvenience, which would have sufficiently ballanced the repeal of all the
acts complained of, had such repeals been obtained; but if the whole continent

complained: plaint.
conscientiously: de manière
consciencieuse, de façon
consciencieuse.
contended: contesté, contestés,
contestées, contestée, contestèrent,
Combattu, disputâmes, combattit,
disputèrent, disputé, disputâtes.
detestable: détestable.
expended: dépensé, dépensa,
dépensai, dépensâmes, dépensas,
dépensâtes, dépensèrent.
French
inclination: inclinaison, inclination.
inconvenience: dérangement,
inconvénient, gêne.
induced: induit, induisîmes,
induisîtes, induisit, induisis,
induisirent.
intricate: complexe, compliqué.
manifested: manifesté.
patchwork: patchwork.
perpetually: perpétuellement, de
manière perpétuelle, de façon
perpétuelle.
petition: pétition, supplique, requête.
positively: de façon positive, de
manière positive.
protecting: protégeant, garantissant,
sauvegardant, préservant, abritant.
resentment: ressentiment, rancune,
dépit.
satellite: satellite.
shrinking: rétrécissant.
stoppage: arrêt.
sword: épée, sabre, glaive.
treasure: trésor, cassette.
28 Common Sense

must take up arms, if every man must be a soldier, it is scarcely worth our while
to fight against a contemptible ministry only. Dearly, dearly, do we pay for the
repeal of the acts, if that is all we fight for; for in a just estimation, it is as great a
folly to pay a Bunker-hill price for law, as for land. As I have always considered
the independancy of this continent, as an event, which sooner or later must
arrive, so from the late rapid progress of the continent to maturity, the event
could not be far off. Wherefore, on the breaking out of hostilities, it was not
worth the while to have disputed a matter, which time would have finally
redressed, unless we meant to be in earnest; otherwise, it is like wasting an estate
on a suit at law, to regulate the trespasses of a tenant, whose lease is just
expiring. No man was a warmer wisher for reconciliation than myself, before the
fatal nineteenth of April 1775, but the moment the event of that day was made
known, I rejected the hardened, sullen tempered Pharaoh of England for ever;
and disdain the wretch, that with the pretended title of FATHER OF HIS
PEOPLE, can unfeelingly hear of their slaughter, and composedly sleep with
their blood upon his soul.%
But admitting that matters were now made up, what would be the event? I
answer, the ruin of the continent. And that for several reasons.
First.—The powers of governing still remaining in the hands of the king, he
will have a negative over the whole legislation of this continent. And as he hath
shewn himself such an inveterate enemy to liberty, and discovered such a thirst
for arbitrary power; is he, or is he not, a proper man to say to these colonies, "You
shall make no laws but what i please." And is there any inhabitant in America so
ignorant, as not to know, that according to what is called the present Constitution,
that this continent can make no laws but what the king gives it leave to; and is
there any man so unwise, as not to see, that (considering what has happened) he
will suffer no law to be made here, but such as suit his purpose. We may be as
effectually enslaved by the want of laws in America, as by submitting to laws
made for us in England. After matters are made up (as it is called) can there be
any doubt, but the whole power of the crown will be exerted, to keep this
continent as low and humble as possible? Instead of going forward we shall go

composedly: de manière composée, de
façon composée.
contemptible: méprisable.
dearly: de manière chère, de façon
chère.
disputed: disputé.
earnest: sérieux.
enslaved: asservi, asservîmes,
asservirent, asservit, asservîtes,
asservis.
estimation: estimation.
exerted: pratiquai, pratiquâmes,
French
pratiquas, pratiquâtes, pratiqua,
pratiquèrent, pratiqué.
expiring: expirant, échéant.
hardened: durci, durcîtes, durcit,
durcis, durcirent, durcîmes,
trempâmes, trempai, trempas,
trempâtes, trempèrent.
humble: humble, modeste.
inhabitant: habitant.
inveterate: invétéré.
pretended: feignîtes, feignirent,
feignis, feignîmes, feignit, feint,
prétexta, prétextai, prétextâmes,
prétextas, prétextâtes.
slaughter: abattre, abattage, massacre,
tuerie, carnage.
submitting: soumettant.
sullen: maussade.
tempered: ayant subi un revenu,
tempéré, revenu.
unfeelingly: de manière insensible, de
façon insensible.
warmer: plus chaud.
wretch: malheureux, scélérat.
 Thomas Paine 29

backward, or be perpetually quarrelling or ridiculously petitioning. We are

already greater than the king wishes us to be, and will he not hereafter
endeavour to make us less? To bring the matter to one point. Is the power who is
jealous of our prosperity, a proper power to govern us? Whoever says No to this
question is an independent, for independency means no more, than, whether we
shall make our own laws, or, whether the king, the greatest enemy this continent
hath, or can have, shall tell us there shall be no laws but such as i like.%
But the king you will say has a negative in England; the people there can
make no laws without his consent. In point of right and good order, there is
something very ridiculous, that a youth of twenty-one (which hath often
happened) shall say to several millions of people, older and wiser than himself, I
forbid this or that act of yours to be law. But in this place I decline this sort of
reply, though I will never cease to expose the absurdity of it, and only answer,
that England being the King's residence, and America not so, make quite another
case. The king's negative here is ten times more dangerous and fatal than it can be
in England, for THERE he will scarcely refuse his consent to a bill for putting
England into as strong a state of defence as possible, and in America he would
never suffer such a bill to be passed.
America is only a secondary object in the system of British politics, England
consults the good of this country, no farther than it answers her own purpose.
Wherefore, her own interest leads her to suppress the growth of ours in every
case which doth not promote her advantage, or in the least interferes with it. A
pretty state we should soon be in under such a second-hand government,
considering what has happened! Men do not change from enemies to friends by
the alteration of a name: And in order to shew that reconciliation NOW is a
dangerous doctrine, I affirm, that it would be policy in the king at this time, to repeal
the acts for the sake of reinstating himself in the government of the provinces; in order
that HE MAY ACCOMPLISH BY CRAFT AND SUBTILITY, IN THE LONG
RUN, WHAT HE CANNOT DO BY FORCE AND VIOLENCE IN THE SHORT
ONE. Reconciliation and ruin are nearly related.

affirm: affirmer, affirment, affirmons,
affirmez, affirme, affirmes, assurer,
certifier, garantir.
alteration: modification,
transformation, altération,
changement, retouche.
backward: en arrière.
cease: cesser, cessent.
consults: consulte.
doctrine: doctrine.
endeavour: peiner, se démener.
expose: exposer, expose, exposes,
French
exposez, exposent, exposons. gîte.
forbid: interdire, interdis, interdisez, ridiculous: ridicule.
interdisent, interdisons, défendre, ridiculously: de manière ridicule, de
prohiber. façon ridicule.
independency: indépendance. scarcely: à peine, de manière rare, de
interferes: interfère. façon rare.
jealous: jaloux. suppress: étouffer, étouffez, étouffons,
ours: nôtre. étouffe, étouffent, étouffes, réprimer,
prosperity: prospérité. réprimez, réprimes, réprime,
reinstating: réintégrant. réprimons.
residence: résidence, domicile, whoever: quiconque.
demeure, habitation, logis, logement, wishes: vœux.
30 Common Sense

Secondly.—That as even the best terms, which we can expect to obtain, can
amount to no more than a temporary expedient, or a kind of government by
guardianship, which can last no longer than till the colonies come of age, so the
general face and state of things, in the interim, will be unsettled and
unpromising. Emigrants of property will not choose to come to a country whose
form of government hangs but by a thread, and who is every day tottering on
the brink of commotion and disturbance; and numbers of the present
inhabitants would lay hold of the interval, to dispose of their effects, and quit
the continent.%
But the most powerful of all arguments, is, that nothing but independance, i.
e. a continental form of government, can keep the peace of the continent and
preserve it inviolate from civil wars. I dread the event of a reconciliation with
Britain now, as it is more than probable, that it will followed by a revolt
somewhere or other, the consequences of which may be far more fatal than all
the malice of Britain.
Thousands are already ruined by British barbarity; (thousands more will
probably suffer the same fate.) Those men have other feelings than us who have
nothing suffered. All they NOW possess is liberty, what they before enjoyed is
sacrificed to its service, and having nothing more to lose, they disdain
submission. Besides, the general temper of the colonies, towards a British
government, will be like that of a youth, who is nearly out of his time; they will
care very little about her. And a government which cannot preserve the peace, is
no government at all, and in that case we pay our money for nothing; and pray
what is it that Britain can do, whose power will be wholly on paper, should a
civil tumult break out the very day after reconciliation? I have heard some men
say, many of whom I believe spoke without thinking, that they dreaded an
independance, fearing that it would produce civil wars. It is but seldom that our
first thoughts are truly correct, and that is the case here; for there are ten times
more to dread from a patched up connexion than from independance. I make the
sufferers case my own, and I protest, that were I driven from house and home,
my property destroyed, and my circumstances ruined, that as a man, sensible of

French
barbarity: barbarie. émeute.
besides: en outre, hormis, d'ailleurs, dread: crainte, redouter.
sauf, en prime, et puis, de plus, outre. dreaded: redouté.
brink: bord, lisière. expedient: expédient.
commotion: agitation, scandale, fearing: craignant.
commotion. guardianship: curatelle, tutelle, garde.
continental: continental. inhabitants: habitants.
dispose: disposer, disposons, interim: intérim, intérimaire.
disposez, disposent, dispose, interval: intervalle.
disposes. inviolate: inviolé.
disturbance: perturbation, malice: malice, méchanceté,
dérangement, trouble, désordre, malveillance.
patched: rapiécé.
pray: prier, prie, pries, prions, priez,
prient.
quit: quitter, quittas, quittes, quittâtes,
quittâmes, quittai, quitta, quittèrent,
quittons, quittez, quitté.
revolt: révolte, se révolter.
sacrificed: sacrifié.
thread: fil, filet, enfiler, fileter, filetage.
tottering: titubant, vacillant,
chancelant.
unsettled: perturbé.
 Thomas Paine 31

injuries, I could never relish the doctrine of reconciliation, or consider myself

bound thereby.
The colonies have manifested such a spirit of good order and obedience to
continental government, as is sufficient to make every reasonable person easy
and happy on that head. No man can assign the least pretence for his fears, on
any other grounds, that such as are truly childish and ridiculous, viz. that one
colony will be striving for superiority over another.%
Where there are no distinctions there can be no superiority, perfect equality
affords no temptation. The republics of Europe are all (and we may say always)
in peace. Holland and Swisserland are without wars, foreign or domestic:
Monarchical governments, it is true, are never long at rest; the crown itself is a
temptation to enterprizing ruffians at HOME; and that degree of pride and
insolence ever attendant on regal authority, swells into a rupture with foreign
powers, in instances, where a republican government, by being formed on more
natural principles, would negotiate the mistake.
If there is any true cause of fear respecting independance, it is because no
plan is yet laid down. Men do not see their way out--Wherefore, as an opening
into that business, I offer the following hints; at the same time modestly
affirming, that I have no other opinion of them myself, than that they may be the
means of giving rise to something better. Could the straggling thoughts of
individuals be collected, they would frequently form materials for wise and able
men to improve into useful matter.
Let the assemblies be annual, with a President only. The representation more
equal. Their business wholly domestic, and subject to the authority of a
Continental Congress.
Let each colony be divided into six, eight, or ten, convenient districts, each
district to send a proper number of delegates to Congress, so that each colony
send at least thirty. The whole number in Congress will be least 390. Each
Congress to sit and to choose a president by the following method. When the
delegates are met, let a colony be taken from the whole thirteen colonies by lot,
after which, let the whole Congress choose (by ballot) a president from out of the

affirming: affirmant.
affords: produit.
assemblies: éléments complexes de
construction, appareils groupés.
assign: assigner, assignes, assigne,
assignent, assignons, assignez,
attribuer, attribue, attribuent,
attribues, attribuez.
attendant: préposé, gardien, serviteur,
surveillant.
ballot: scrutin, ballotter, vote, voter au
scrutin, tour de scrutin, bulletin de
French
vote.
childish: enfantin, puéril.
colony: colonie, possession.
delegates: délégués, délègue.
hints: allusions.
insolence: insolence, effronterie.
instances: exemples.
modestly: modestement, de manière
modeste, de façon modeste.
negotiate: négocier, négocie, négocies,
négocions, négocient, négociez.
obedience: obéissance, soumission.
pretence: prétexte, simulacre.
regal: royal.
relish: savourer, se délecter, goût.
respecting: respectant.
rupture: rupture, cassure.
straggling: dispersion aléatoire,
dispersion, fluctuation de parcours.
striving: combattant.
superiority: supériorité.
swells: houles, forçage.
temptation: tentation.
thirteen: treize.
32 Common Sense

delegates of that province. In the next Congress, let a colony be taken by lot from
twelve only, omitting that colony from which the president was taken in the
former Congress, and so proceeding on till the whole thirteen shall have had
their proper rotation. And in order that nothing may pass into a law but what is
satisfactorily just, not less than three fifths of the Congress to be called a
majority. He that will promote discord, under a government so equally formed
as this, would have joined Lucifer in his revolt.%
But as there is a peculiar delicacy, from whom, or in what manner, this
business must first arise, and as it seems most agreeable and consistent that it
should come from some intermediate body between the governed and the
governors, that is, between the Congress and the people, let a Continental
Conference be held, in the following manner, and for the following purpose.
A committee of twenty-six members of Congress, viz. two for each colony.
Two members for each House of Assembly, or Provincial Convention; and five
representatives of the people at large, to be chosen in the capital city or town of
each province, for, and in behalf of the whole province, by as many qualified
voters as shall think proper to attend from all parts of the province for that
purpose; or, if more convenient, the representatives may be chosen in two or
three of the most populous parts thereof. In this conference, thus assembled, will
be united, the two grand principles of business, knowledge and power. The
members of Congress, Assemblies, or Conventions, by having had experience in
national concerns, will be able and useful counsellors, and the whole, being
impowered by the people, will have a truly legal authority.
The conferring members being met, let their business be to frame a
Continental Charter, or Charter of the United Colonies; (answering to what is
called the Magna Charta of England) fixing the number and manner of choosing
members of Congress, members of Assembly, with their date of sitting, and
drawing the line of business and jurisdiction between them: (Always
remembering, that our strength is continental, not provincial:) Securing freedom
and property to all men, and above all things, the free exercise of religion,
according to the dictates of conscience; with such other matter as is necessary for

assembled: montâmes, montas,
montâtes, montèrent, assemblas,
assemblâtes, monta, montai, monté,
assemblé, assembla.
conferring: conférant.
conscience: conscience.
convenient: commode, convenable,
opportun.
delicacy: friandise, délicatesse, finesse.
dictates: dicte.
discord: discorde, désaccord.
fifths: cinquième.
French
fixing: fixant, fixation, réparant,
fixage, détermination, dépannage,
remédiant, scellement.
intermediate: intermédiaire.
jurisdiction: juridiction, ressort,
compétence.
omitting: omettant.
peculiar: étrange, singulier, drôle,
particulier.
populous: populeux.
promote: promouvoir, promeus,
promeuvent, promouvons,
promouvez.
province: province, domaine, région.
qualified: qualifias, qualifiâtes,
qualifièrent, qualifia, qualifiai,
qualifiâmes, qualifié, diplômé.
remembering: retenant, rappelant.
rotation: rotation, rotationnel,
assolement, renouvellement,
révolution.
satisfactorily: de manière satisfaisante,
de façon satisfaisante.
voters: électeurs.
 Thomas Paine 33
%
a charter to contain. Immediately after which, the said Conference to dissolve,
and the bodies which shall be chosen comformable to the said charter, to be the
legislators and governors of this continent for the time being: Whose peace and
happiness, may God preserve, Amen.
Should any body of men be hereafter delegated for this or some similar
purpose, I offer them the following extracts from that wise observer on
governments dragonetti. "The science" says he "of the politician consists in fixing
the true point of happiness and freedom. Those men would deserve the
gratitude of ages, who should discover a mode of government that contained the
greatest sum of individual happiness, with the least national expense."
"Dragonetti on virtue and rewards."
But where says some is the King of America? I'll tell you Friend, he reigns
above, and doth not make havoc of mankind like the Royal Brute of Britain. Yet
that we may not appear to be defective even in earthly honors, let a day be
solemnly set apart for proclaiming the charter; let it be brought forth placed on
the divine law, the word of God; let a crown be placed thereon, by which the
world may know, that so far as we approve as monarchy, that in America the
Law is king. For as in absolute governments the King is law, so in free countries
the law ought to be King; and there ought to be no other. But lest any ill use
should afterwards arise, let the crown at the conclusion of the ceremony be
demolished, and scattered among the people whose right it is.
A government of our own is our natural right: And when a man seriously
reflects on the precariousness of human affairs, he will become convinced, that it
is infinitely wiser and safer, to form a constitution of our own in a cool
deliberate manner, while we have it in our power, than to trust such an
interesting event to time and chance. If we omit it now, some, Massanello may
hereafter arise, who laying hold of popular disquietudes, may collect together
the desperate and discontented, and by assuming to themselves the powers of
government, may sweep away the liberties of the continent like a deluge.
Should the government of America return again into the hands of Britain, the
tottering situation of things, will be a temptation for some desperate adventurer

approve: approuver, approuve,
approuves, approuvez, approuvent,
approuvons, donner son accord.
defective: défectueux, défectif.
delegated: délégué.
deluge: déluge.
demolished: démoli, démolîmes,
démolirent, démolîtes, démolit,
démolis, abattit, abattîtes, abattis,
abattirent, abattîmes.
discontented: mécontent.
dissolve: dissoudre, dissolvons,
French
dissolvez, dissolvent, dissous, observer: observateur.
résoudre, dissout. omit: omettre, omettons, omettent,
earthly: terrestre. omettez, omets.
forth: en avant. politician: politicien, homme
gratitude: gratitude, reconnaissance, politique.
remerciement. proclaiming: proclamant.
havoc: ravage. scattered: dispersé, dispersâmes,
infinitely: infiniment, de manière dispersèrent, dispersas, dispersai,
infinie, de façon infinie. dispersa, dispersâtes, répandu,
legislators: législateurs. répandîtes, répandit, répandis.
lest: de peur que. sweep: balayer, balayage, courbure,
liberties: libertés. draguer.
34 Common Sense

to try his fortune; and in such a case, what relief can Britain give? Ere she could
hear the news, the fatal business might be done; and ourselves suffering like the
wretched Britons under the oppression of the Conqueror. Ye that oppose
independance now, ye know not what ye do; ye are opening a door to eternal
tyranny, by keeping vacant the seat of government. There are thousands, and
tens of thousands, who would think it glorious to expel from the continent, that
barbarous and hellish power, which hath stirred up the Indians and Negroes to
destroy us, the cruelty hath a double guilt, it is dealing brutally by us, and
treacherously by them.%
To talk of friendship with those in whom our reason forbids us to have faith,
and our affections wounded through a thousand pores instruct us to detest, is
madness and folly. Every day wears out the little remains of kindred between us
and them, and can there be any reason to hope, that as the relationship expires,
the affection will increase, or that we shall agree better, when we have ten times
more and greater concerns to quarrel over than ever?
Ye that tell us of harmony and reconciliation, can ye restore to us the time
that is past? Can ye give to prostitution its former innocence? Neither can ye
reconcile Britain and America. The last cord now is broken, the people of
England are presenting addresses against us. There are injuries which nature
cannot forgive; she would cease to be nature if she did. As well can the lover
forgive the ravisher of his mistress, as the continent forgive the murders of
Britain. The Almighty hath implanted in us these unextinguishable feelings for
good and wise purposes. They are the guardians of his image in our hearts. They
distinguish us from the herd of common animals. The social compact would
dissolve, and justice be extirpated from the earth, or have only a casual existence
were we callous to the touches of affection. The robber, and the murderer,
would often escape unpunished, did not the injuries which our tempers sustain,
provoke us into justice.
O ye that love mankind! Ye that dare oppose, not only the tyranny, but the
tyrant, stand forth! Every spot of the old world is overrun with oppression.
Freedom hath been hunted round the globe. Asia, and Africa, have long expelled

barbarous: barbare.
brutally: de manière maussade, de
façon maussade.
callous: calleux, dur.
detest: détester, détestons, détestent,
détestez, déteste, détestes.
ere: avant, avant que.
expel: expulser, expulses, expulse,
expulsons, expulsez, expulsent,
renvoyer, repousser.
expires: expire, échoit.
extirpated: extirpa, extirpèrent,
French
extirpâtes, extirpas, extirpai, overrun: dépassement, surcharge,
extirpâmes, extirpé. dépassement de capacité,
forbids: interdit. foisonnement, envahir.
guardians: gardiens. pores: pores.
hellish: infernal, diabolique. prostitution: prostitution.
hunted: chassa, chassai, chassâmes, ravisher: ravisseur.
chassas, chassâtes, chassèrent, chassé. robber: voleur, ravisseur.
implanted: implantas, implantâtes, touches: touche.
implanté, implanta, implantèrent, treacherously: de manière traître, de
implantâmes, implantai. façon traître.
kindred: parenté. tyrant: tyran.
murders: assassine. unpunished: impuni.
 Thomas Paine 35

her. Europe regards her like a stranger, and England hath given her warning to
depart. O! receive the fugitive, and prepare in time an asylum for mankind. %

asylum: asile, refuge, abri.
depart: partir, partez, partons, partent, admettre, accueille, accueillent,
pars, s'en aller.
europe: Europe.
fugitive: fugitif.
mankind: humanité.
prepare: préparer, prépare, prépares,
préparent, préparons, préparez,
apprêter, apprête, apprêtes, apprêtez,
apprêtons.
receive: recevoir, reçois, recevez,
French
recevons, reçoivent, accueillir,
accueilles, accueillez.
regards: considère.
stranger: étranger, inconnu.
warning: avertissement, avertissant,
sommation, alerte, alertant,
recommandation, avis.
36 Common Sense

OF THE PRESENT ABILITY OF AMERICA,

WITH SOME MISCELLANEOUS REFLEXIONS

I%HAVE never met with a man, either in England or America, who hath not
confessed his opinion, that a separation between the countries, would take place
one time or other: And there is no instance, in which we have shewn less
judgment, than in endeavouring to describe, what we call, the ripeness or
fitness of the Continent for independance.
As all men allow the measure, and vary only in their opinion of the time, let
us, in order to remove mistakes, take a general survey of things, and endeavour,
if possible, to find out the very time. But we need not go far, the inquiry ceases at
once, for, the time hath found us. The general concurrence, the glorious union of
all things prove the fact.
It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies; yet our present
numbers are sufficient to repel the force of all the world. The Continent hath, at
this time, the largest body of armed and disciplined men of any power under
Heaven; and is just arrived at that pitch of strength, in which, no single colony is
able to support itself, and the whole, when united, can accomplish the matter,
and either more, or, less than this, might be fatal in its effects. Our land force is
already sufficient, and as to naval affairs, we cannot be insensible, that Britain
would never suffer an American man of war to be built, while the continent

affairs: affaires.
armed: armé.
ceases: cesse.
concurrence: accord, concordance,
convention, entente.
confessed: confessé, confessai,
confessâmes, confessa, confessèrent,
confessas, confessâtes, avoué,
avouâtes, avouèrent, avouâmes.
disciplined: discipliné.
fitness: aptitude, justesse.
inquiry: enquête, demande de
French
renseignements, investigation,
interrogation.
insensible: insensible.
instance: exemple, instance.
judgment: arrêt, jugement.
lies: git, ment.
mistakes: fautes, trompe, erreurs.
naval: naval.
opinion: avis, opinion, vœu.
pitch: tangage, hauteur tonale, pas,
tonie, poix, écartement, inclinaison,
espacement, ton, longueur, brai.
repel: repousser, repousse, repousses,
repoussons, repoussez, repoussent.
ripeness: maturité.
separation: séparation, abandon,
décollement, espacement, scission.
suffer: souffrir, souffre, souffrons,
souffrent, souffres, souffrez, endurer,
subir, subissez, subissent, subis.
sufficient: suffisant.
unity: unité.
vary: varier, varie, varies, varient,
variez, varions, différer.
 Thomas Paine 37

remained in her hands. Wherefore, we should be no forwarder an hundred years

hence in that branch, than we are now; but the truth is, we should be less so,
because the timber of the country is every day diminishing, and that, which will
remain at last, will be far off and difficult to procure.%
Were the continent crowded with inhabitants, her sufferings under the
present circumstances would be intolerable. The more sea port towns we had,
the more should we have both to defend and to loose. Our present numbers are
so happily proportioned to our wants, that no man need be idle. The diminution
of trade affords an army, and the necessities of an army create a new trade.
Debts we have none; and whatever we may contract on this account will
serve as a glorious memento of our virtue. Can we but leave posterity with a
settled form of government, an independant constitution of it's own, the
purchase at any price will be cheap. But to expend millions for the sake of
getting a few vile acts repealed, and routing the present ministry only, is
unworthy the charge, and is using posterity with the utmost cruelty; because it is
leaving them the great work to do, and a debt upon their backs, from which,
they derive no advantage. Such a thought is unworthy a man of honor, and is the
true characteristic of a narrow heart and a pedling politician.
The debt we may contract doth not deserve our regard if the work be but
accomplished. No nation ought to be without a debt. A national debt is a
national bond; and when it bears no interest, is in no case a grievance. Britain is
oppressed with a debt of upwards of one hundred and forty millions sterling, for
which she pays upwards of four millions interest. And as a compensation for her
debt, she has a large navy; America is without a debt, and without a navy; yet for
the twentieth part of the English national debt, could have a navy as large again.
The navy of England is not worth, at this time, more than three millions and an
half sterling.
The first and second editions of this pamphlet were published without the
following calculations, which are now given as a proof that the above estimation
of the navy is a just one. See Entic's Naval History, Intro., page 56.

accomplished: accompli,
accomplîmes, accomplit, accomplîtes,
accomplis, accomplirent, réalisâmes,
réalisâtes, réalisèrent, réalisé, réalisai.
backs: parties arrières, sections
arrières.
calculations: calculs.
characteristic: caractéristique,
caractère.
cheap: bon marché, abordable.
crowded: bondé, encombré.
debts: dettes.
French
defend: défendre, défendent, défends,
défendons, défendez.
deserve: mériter, mérite, méritent,
méritez, méritons, mérites.
diminishing: diminuant.
diminution: diminution, réduction.
expend: dépenser.
forwarder: transitaire, porteur.
grievance: grief, réclamation.
happily: heureusement, de manière
heureuse, de façon heureuse.
independant: indépendant.
loose: détaché, lâche.
memento: souvenir.
navy: marine, marine nationale,
marine de guerre, marine militaire.
pays: paie, paye.
routing: acheminement, routage.
timber: bois, bois de construction,
boiser, bois d'œuvre, madrier.
twentieth: vingtième.
upwards: vers le haut.
utmost: extrême.
vile: vil, abject, lâche, infâme.
38 Common Sense

The charge of building a ship of each rate, and furnishing her with masts,
yards, sails and rigging, together with a proportion of eight months boatswain's
and carpenter's sea-stores, as calculated by Mr. Burchett, Secretary to the navy.%

For a ship of a 100 guns… 35,553 L.

90… 29,886
80… 23,638
70… 17,785
60… 14,197
50… 10,606
40… 7,558
30… 5,846
20… 3,710

And from hence it is easy to sum up the value, or cost rather, of the whole
British navy, which in the year 1757, when it was as its greatest glory consisted
of the following ships and guns.

Ships. Guns. Cost of one. Cost of all.

6 100 35,553 l. 213,318 l.
12 90 29,886 358,632
12 80 23,638 283,656
43 70 17,785 764,755
35 60 14,197 496,895
40 50 10,606 424,240
45 40 7,558 340,110
58 20 3,710 215,180

French
building: bâtiment, construction, consistâtes.
édifice. cost: coût, coûter, dépense, prix de
calculated: calculas, calculâtes, calculé, revient.
calculâmes, calculèrent, calcula, easy: facile.
calculai, comptai, comptâmes, eight: huit.
comptas, comptâtes. furnishing: fournissant, meublant,
charge: charger, accusation, charge, ameublement.
plainte, imputation, chef hence: par conséquent, donc, d'où,
d'accusation, taxe, accuser, c'est pourquoi.
chargement. l: l.
consisted: consistai, consisté, consista, masts: mâts.
consistâmes, consistèrent, consistas, proportion: proportion,
proportionner.
rigging: gréement, manœuvre.
sails: voiles, voilure.
ship: navire, bateau, expédier,
expédie, expédions, expédiez,
expédies, expédient, vaisseau.
ships: expédie.
sum: somme, montant, addition.
value: valeur, apprécier, mérite,
évaluer.
 Thomas Paine 39

85% Sloops, bombs, 2,000 170,000

and fireships, one
with another, at
Cost, 3,266,786
Remains for guns, 233,214
Total. 3,500,000

No country on the globe is so happily situated, so internally capable of

raising a fleet as America. Tar, timber, iron, and cordage are her natural
produce. We need go abroad for nothing. Whereas the Dutch, who make large
profits by hiring out their ships of war to the Spaniards and Portuguese, are
obliged to import most of the materials they use. We ought to view the building
a fleet as an article of commerce, it being the natural manufactory of this country.
It is the best money we can lay out. A navy when finished is worth more than it
cost. And is that nice point in national policy, in which commerce and protection
are united. Let us build; if we want them not, we can sell; and by that means
replace our paper currency with ready gold and silver.
In point of manning a fleet, people in general run into great errors; it is not
necessary that one fourth part should be sailor. The Terrible privateer, Captain
Death, stood the hottest engagement of any ship last war, yet had not twenty
sailors on board, though her complement of men was upwards of two hundred.
A few able and social sailors will soon instruct a sufficient number of active
landmen in the common work of a ship. Wherefore, we never can be more
capable to begin on maritime matters than now, while our timber is standing,
our fisheries blocked up, and our sailors and shipwrights out of employ. Men of
war, of seventy and eighty guns were built forty years ago in New England, and
why not the same now? Ship-building is America's greatest pride, and in which,
she will in time excel the whole world. The great empires of the east are mostly
inland, and consequently excluded from the possibility of rivalling her. Africa is
in a state of barbarism; and no power in Europe, hath either such an extent of
coast, or such an internal supply of materials. Where nature hath given the one,
French
barbarism: barbarisme. excellent, excellons, excelle. façon interne, intérieurement.
blocked: bloqué. excluded: exclu, exclûtes, exclut, manning: effectifs.
complement: complément. exclus, exclurent, exclûmes, manufactory: manufacture.
consequently: ensuite, donc, de exceptèrent, excepta, exceptai, maritime: marin, maritime.
manière conséquente, de façon exceptâmes, exceptas. privateer: corsaire.
conséquente, par conséquent. fisheries: pêche. raising: élevage.
cordage: cordage. fleet: flotte, parc, tessure. sailor: marin, matelot, navigateur.
employ: employer, embaucher, user hiring: louant, embauchant, seventy: septante.
de, se servir de, appliquer, engager. embauche. silver: argent, argenté, argenter.
engagement: engagement, fiançailles, import: importation, importer. situated: situé, situas, situâtes, situai,
enclenchement, accordailles. inland: intérieur. situèrent, situâmes, situa.
excel: exceller, excelles, excellez, internally: de manière interne, de tar: goudron, bitume, goudronner.
40 Common Sense

she has withheld the other; to America only hath she been liberal of both. The
vast empire of Russia is almost shut out from the sea; wherefore, her boundless
forests, her tar, iron, and cordage are only articles of commerce.%
In point of safety, ought we to be without a fleet? We are not the little people
now, which we were sixty years ago; at that time we might have trusted our
property in the streets, or fields rather; and slept securely without locks or bolts
to our doors or windows. The case now is altered, and our methods of defence,
ought to improve with our increase of property. A common pirate, twelve
months ago, might have come up the Delaware, and laid the city of Philadelphia
under instant contribution, for what sum he pleased; and the same might have
happened to other places. Nay, any daring fellow, in a brig of fourteen or
sixteen guns, might have robbed the whole Continent, and carried off half a
million of money. These are circumstances which demand our attention, and
point out the necessity of naval protection.
Some, perhaps, will say, that after we have made it up with Britain, she will
protect us. Can we be so unwise as to mean, that she shall keep a navy in our
harbours for that purpose? Common sense will tell us, that the power which hath
endeavoured to subdue us, is of all others, the most improper to defend us.
Conquest may be effected under the pretence of friendship; and ourselves, after
a long and brave resistance, be at last cheated into slavery. And if her ships are
not to be admitted into our harbours, I would ask, how is she to protect us? A
navy three or four thousand miles off can be of little use, and on sudden
emergencies, none at all. Wherefore, if we must hereafter protect ourselves, why
not do it for ourselves? Why do it for another?
The English list of ships of war, is long and formidable, but not a tenth part of
them are at any time fit for service, numbers of them not in being; yet their
names are pompously continued in the list, if only a plank be left of the ship:
and not a fifth part, of such as are fit for service, can be spared on any one station
at one time. The East, and West Indies, Mediterranean, Africa, and other parts
over which Britain extends her claim, make large demands upon her navy. From
a mixture of prejudice and inattention, we have contracted a false notion

altered: altéré, altéras, altérâtes,
altérèrent, altéra, altérai, altérâmes.
bolts: boulons, témoins.
boundless: illimité, sans bornes.
brave: courageux, vaillant, brave.
brig: brick.
cheated: déçu.
contracted: contracté.
daring: audace, audacieux, hardi,
osant, aventurant.
extends: étend, s'étend.
false: faux, perfide, feint.
French
fourteen: quatorze.
friendship: amitié, camaraderie.
inattention: inattention.
instant: instant, moment.
locks: abats.
necessity: nécessité, besoin.
pirate: pirate.
plank: planche, panneau.
pompously: de manière pompeuse, de
façon pompeuse.
robbed: pillèrent, pillâtes, pillas,
pillâmes, pillai, pilla, pillé, ravîtes,
ravi, ravîmes, ravirent.
securely: solidement.
sixteen: seize.
slept: dormi, dormîmes, dormis,
dormit, dormîtes, dormirent,
dormies.
subdue: soumettre, soumettent,
soumets, soumettons, soumettez,
subjuguer, subjugue, subjugues,
subjuguons, subjuguent, subjuguez.
withheld: retîntes, retînmes, retinrent,
retins, retint, retenu.
 Thomas Paine 41

respecting the navy of England, and have talked as if we should have the whole
of it to encounter at once, and for that reason, supposed, that we must have one
as large; which not being instantly practicable, have been made use of by a set of
disguised Tories to discourage our beginning thereon. Nothing can be farther
from truth than this; for if America had only a twentieth part of the naval force of
Britain, she would be by far an over match for her; because, as we neither have,
nor claim any foreign dominion, our whole force would be employed on our
own coast, where we should, in the long run, have two to one the advantage of
those who had three or four thousand miles to sail over, before they could attack
us, and the same distance to return in order to refit and recruit. And although
Britain by her fleet, hath a check over our trade to Europe, we have as large a one
over her trade to the West Indies, which, by laying in the neighbourhood of the
Continent, is entirely at its mercy.%
Some method might be fallen on to keep up a naval force in time of peace, if
we should not judge it necessary to support a constant navy. If premiums were
to be given to merchants, to build and employ in their service, ships mounted
with twenty, thirty, forty, or fifty guns, (the premiums to be in proportion to the
loss of bulk to the merchants) fifty or sixty of those ships, with a few guard ships
on constant duty, would keep up a sufficient navy, and that without burdening
ourselves with the evil so loudly complained of in England, of suffering their
fleet, in time of peace to lie rotting in the docks. To unite the sinews of commerce
and defence is sound policy; for when our strength and our riches, play into each
other's hand, we need fear no external enemy.
In almost every article of defence we abound. Hemp flourishes even to
rankness, so that we need not want cordage. Our iron is superior to that of other
countries. Our small arms equal to any in the world. Cannons we can cast at
pleasure. Saltpetre and gunpowder we are every day producing. Our
knowledge is hourly improving. Resolution is our inherent character, and
courage hath never yet forsaken us. Wherefore, what is it that we want? Why is it
that we hesitate? From Britain we can expect nothing but ruin. If she is once
admitted to the government of America again, this Continent will not be worth

abound: abonder, abondons,
abondent, abondez, abonde, abondes,
grouiller, fourmiller, fourmille,
fourmilles, fourmillent.
burdening: surcharger, alourdissant.
discourage: décourager, découragez,
décourageons, découragent,
décourage, décourages.
disguised: déguisé.
evil: mal, mauvais.
flourishes: prospère.
gunpowder: poudre à canon, poudre.
French
hemp: chanvre.
hesitate: hésiter, hésite, hésites,
hésitent, hésitez, hésitons,
barguigner, barguigne, barguignent,
barguignes, barguignez.
hourly: horaire.
inherent: inhérent, intrinsèque.
loudly: fort, à haute voix, de manière
forte, de façon forte, bruyamment.
mounted: monté, montées.
neighbourhood: voisinage, quartier.
practicable: praticable.
premiums: primes.
recruit: recruter, enrôler, recrue,
gagner, s'adjoindre des aides.
refit: réparer, remettre en état de
service, repasser, remonter, rajuster.
rotting: pourrissant.
sail: voile, naviguer.
saltpetre: salpêtre.
unite: unir, unissons, unissez,
unissent, unis, joindre, accoupler,
apparier, apparient, apparions,
apparie.
42 Common Sense

living in. Jealousies will be always arising; insurrections will be constantly

happening; and who will go forth to quell them? Who will venture his life to
reduce his own countrymen to a foreign obedience? The difference between
Pennsylvania and Connecticut, respecting some unlocated lands, shews the
insignificance of a British government, and fully proves, that nothing but
Continental authority can regulate Continental matters.%
Another reason why the present time is preferable to all others, is, that the
fewer our numbers are, the more land there is yet unoccupied, which instead of
being lavished by the king on his worthless dependents, may be hereafter
applied, not only to the discharge of the present debt, but to the constant support
of government. No nation under heaven hath such an advantage as this.
The infant state of the Colonies, as it is called, so far from being against, is an
argument in favor of independance. We are sufficiently numerous, and were we
more so, we might be less united. It is a matter worthy of observation, that the
more a country is peopled, the smaller their armies are. In military numbers, the
ancients far exceeded the moderns: and the reason is evident, for trade being the
consequence of population, men become too much absorbed thereby to attend to
any thing else. Commerce diminishes the spirit, both of patriotism and military
defence. And history sufficiently informs us, that the bravest achievements were
always accomplished in the non age of a nation. With the increase of commerce,
England hath lost its spirit. The city of London, notwithstanding its numbers,
submits to continued insults with the patience of a coward. The more men have
to lose, the less willing are they to venture. The rich are in general slaves to fear,
and submit to courtly power with the trembling duplicity of a Spaniel.
Youth is the seed time of good habits, as well in nations as in individuals. It
might be difficult, if not impossible, to form the Continent into one government
half a century hence. The vast variety of interests, occasioned by an increase of
trade and population, would create confusion. Colony would be against colony.
Each being able might scorn each other's assistance; and while the proud and
foolish gloried in their little distinctions, the wise would lament, that the union
had not been formed before. Wherefore, the present time is the true time for

absorbed: absorbé, absorba,
absorbâmes, absorbèrent, absorbai,
absorbas, absorbâtes.
courtly: courtois.
dependents: charges de famille.
diminishes: diminue.
duplicity: duplicité.
exceeded: dépassé, dépassâtes,
dépassas, dépassai, dépassâmes,
dépassèrent, dépassa, excédas,
excédâtes, excédé, excédèrent.
habits: mode de vie, habitudes.
French
informs: informe, renseigne.
insignificance: insignifiance.
insults: agonit.
lament: lamentation, lamenter, se
lamenter, complainte.
lands: cloison, atterrit.
patience: patience.
patriotism: patriotisme.
preferable: préférable.
proves: prouve, éprouve.
quell: étouffer, étouffe, étouffent,
étouffes, étouffez, étouffons,
suffoquer.
regulate: régler, règles, règlent,
réglons, réglez, règle, réglementer,
réglemente, réglementent,
réglementes, réglementez.
scorn: dédain, mépriser, mépris.
slaves: esclaves.
submits: soumet.
trembling: tremblant, tremblement,
frémissant.
unoccupied: inoccupé, vacant.
worthless: nul, sans valeur.
 Thomas Paine 43

establishing it. The intimacy which is contracted in infancy, and the friendship
which is formed in misfortune, are, of all others, the most lasting and
unalterable. Our present union is marked with both these characters: we are
young, and we have been distressed; but our concord hath withstood our
troubles, and fixes a memorable area for posterity to glory in.%
The present time, likewise, is that peculiar time, which never happens to a
nation but once, VIZ. the time of forming itself into a government. Most nations
have let slip the opportunity, and by that means have been compelled to receive
laws from their conquerors, instead of making laws for themselves. First, they
had a king, and then a form of government; whereas, the articles or charter of
government, should be formed first, and men delegated to execute them
afterwards: but from the errors of other nations, let us learn wisdom, and lay
hold of the present opportunity--to begin government at the right end.
When William the Conqueror subdued England, he gave them law at the
point of the sword; and until we consent, that the seat of government, in
America, be legally and authoritatively occupied, we shall be in danger of
having it filled by some fortunate ruffian, who may treat us in the same manner,
and then, where will be our freedom? Where our property?
As to religion, I hold it to be the indispensible duty of all government, to
protect all conscientious professors thereof, and I know of no other business
which government hath to do therewith. Let a man throw aside that narrowness
of soul, that selfishness of principle, which the niggards of all professions are so
unwilling to part with, and he will be at once delivered of his fears on that head.
Suspicion is the companion of mean souls, and the bane of all good society. For
myself, I fully and conscientiously believe, that it is the will of the Almighty, that
there should be diversity of religious opinions among us: It affords a larger field
for our Christian kindness. Were we all of one way of thinking, our religious
dispositions would want matter for probation; and on this liberal principle, I
look on the various denominations among us, to be like children of the same
family, differing only, in what is called, their Christian names.

authoritatively: de manière autorisée,
de façon autorisée.
bane: fléau.
compelled: obligé, obligèrent,
obligeâtes, obligeas, obligeâmes,
obligeai, obligea, astreintes.
concord: accord, concorde.
conscientious: consciencieux.
differing: différant.
distressed: affligé.
execute: exécuter, exécute, exécutes,
exécutez, exécutons, exécutent,
French
effectuer, accomplir. subdued: soumîmes, soumîtes,
fixes: fixe, répare, remédie. soumit, soumirent, soumis,
fortunate: heureux, chanceux. subjuguâtes, subjuguas,
intimacy: intimité. subjuguâmes, subjugué, subjuguai,
kindness: amabilité, bonté, gentillesse, subjugua.
aménité. therewith: avec cela.
legally: de manière légale, de façon troubles: gêne, troubles.
légale, légalement. unalterable: immuable.
memorable: mémorable. unwilling: peu disposé.
narrowness: étroitesse. withstood: résistai, résistâmes,
probation: probation. résistas, résistâtes, résisté, résistèrent,
selfishness: égoïsme. résista.
44 Common Sense

I threw out a few thoughts on the propriety of a Continental Charter, (for I

only presume to offer hints, not plans) and in this place, I take the liberty of
rementioning the subject, by observing, that a charter is to be understood as a
bond of solemn obligation, which the whole enters into, to support the right of
every separate part, whether or religion, personal freedom, or property. A firm
bargain and a right reckoning make long friends.%
In a former page I likewise mentioned the necessity of a large and equal
representation; and there is no political matter which more deserves our
attention. A small number of electors, or a small number of representatives, are
equally dangerous. But if the number of the representatives be not only small,
but unequal, the danger is increased. As an instance of this, I mention the
following; when the Associators petition was before the House of Assembly of
Pennsylvania; twenty-eight members only were present, all the Bucks county
members, being eight, voted against it, and had seven of the Chester members
done the same, this whole province had been governed by two counties only,
and this danger it is always exposed to. The unwarrantable stretch likewise,
which that house made in their last sitting, to gain an undue authority over the
Delegates of that province, ought to warn the people at large, how they trust
power out of their own hands. A set of instructions for the Delegates were put
together, which in point of sense and business would have dishonored a
schoolboy, and after being approved by a few, a very few without doors, were
carried into the House, and there passed in behalf of the whole colony; whereas, did
the whole colony know, with what ill-will that House hath entered on some
necessary public measures, they would not hesitate a moment to think them
unworthy of such a trust.
Immediate necessity makes many things convenient, which if continued
would grow into oppressions. Expedience and right are different things. When
the calamities of America required a consultation, there was no method so
ready, or at that time so proper, as to appoint persons from the several Houses of
Assembly for that purpose; and the wisdom with which they have proceeded
hath preserved this continent from ruin. But as it is more than probable that we

approved: approuvé, approuvâtes,
approuvas, approuva, approuvai,
approuvâmes, approuvèrent,
homologué.
bond: lien, obligation, liaison, coller,
adhérence, titres, lier, bon,
cautionnement.
charter: charte, affrètement, affréter.
consultation: consultation.
expedience: convenance.
exposed: exposé, exposâtes, exposas,
exposâmes, exposa, exposèrent,
French
exposai, irradié.
instructions: instructions.
obligation: obligation, engagement.
observing: observant, respectant,
remplissant.
preserved: conservé.
presume: présumer, présume,
présumes, présumez, présumons,
présument, supposer.
proceeded: procédas, procédâtes,
procédâmes, procédèrent, procédai,
procéda, procédé, avançâtes, avancé,
avançâmes, avançai.
reckoning: calculant.
religion: religion.
representation: représentation, figure.
schoolboy: écolier.
solemn: solennel.
stretch: tendre, étirer, étendre,
allongement, s'étendre, s'étirer.
threw: jetâmes, jeta, jetai, jetèrent.
undue: indu.
voted: voté.
wisdom: sagesse, intelligence.
 Thomas Paine 45

shall never be without a Congress, every well wisher to good order, must own,
that the mode for choosing members of that body, deserves consideration. And I
put it as a question to those, who make a study of mankind, whether
representation and election is not too great a power for one and the same body of
men to possess? When we are planning for posterity, we ought to remember, that
virtue is not hereditary.%
It is from our enemies that we often gain excellent maxims, and are
frequently surprised into reason by their mistakes. Mr. Cornwall (one of the
Lords of the Treasury) treated the petition of the New York Assembly with
contempt, because that House, he said, consisted but of twenty-six members,
which trifling number, he argued, could not with decency be put for the whole.
We thank him for his involuntary honesty.
TO CONCLUDE, however strange it may appear to some, or however
unwilling they may be to think so, matters not, but many strong and striking
reasons may be given, to shew, that nothing can settle our affairs so
expeditiously as an open and determined declaration for independance. Some of
which are,
First.—It is the custom of nations, when any two are at war, for some other
powers, not engaged in the quarrel, to step in as mediators, and bring about the
preliminaries of a peace: but while America calls herself the Subject of Great
Britain, no power, however well disposed she may be, can offer her mediation.
Wherefore, in our present state we may quarrel on for ever.
Secondly.—It is unreasonable to suppose, that France or Spain will give us
any kind of assistance, if we mean only, to make use of that assistance for the
purpose of repairing the breach, and strengthening the connection between
Britain and America; because, those powers would be sufferers by the
consequences.
Thirdly.—While we profess ourselves the subjects of Britain, we must, in the
eye of foreign nations, be considered as rebels. The precedent is somewhat
dangerous to their peace, for men to be in arms under the name of subjects; we, on

assistance: assistance, aide.
breach: brèche, infraction, violation,
trouée.
cornwall: cornouailles.
decency: décence.
declaration: déclaration.
disposed: disposé, disposâmes,
disposèrent, disposai, disposa,
disposâtes, disposas.
engaged: engagé, engageai, engagea,
engageâmes, engagèrent, engageas,
engageâtes, occupé.
French
expeditiously: de manière expéditive,
de façon expéditive.
honesty: honnêteté.
involuntary: involontaire.
mediation: médiation, intermédiaire,
entremise.
mediators: médiateurs.
mode: mode, manière.
profess: confesser, avouer, confessez,
confessons, confesse, confesses,
confessent, professer, professons,
professe, professent.
rebels: rebelles.
repairing: réparant, réparation,
réparer, mise en état de marche,
rhabillage, raccommodage.
settle: régler, réglons, réglez, règles,
règlent, règle, s'abattre, s'abaisser,
coloniser.
strengthening: fortifiant, renforçant,
renforcement.
striking: frappant.
surprised: surpris.
unreasonable: déraisonnable.
46 Common Sense

the spot, can solve the paradox: but to unite resistance and subjection, requires
an idea much too refined for the common understanding.%
Fourthly.—Were a manifesto to be published, and despatched to foreign
courts, setting forth the miseries we have endured, and the peaceable methods
we have ineffectually used for redress; declaring, at the same time, that not
being able, any longer, to live happily or safely under the cruel disposition of
the British court, we had been driven to the necessity of breaking off all
connections with her; at the same time, assuring all such courts of our peacable
disposition towards them, and of our desire of entering into trade with them:
Such a memorial would produce more good effects to this Continent, than if a
ship were freighted with petitions to Britain.
Under our present denomination of British subjects, we can neither be
received nor heard abroad: The custom of all courts is against us, and will be so,
until, by an independance, we take rank with other nations.
These proceedings may at first appear strange and difficult; but, like all other
steps which we have already passed over, will in a little time become familiar
and agreeable; and, until an independance is declared, the Continent will feel
itself like a man who continues putting off some unpleasant business from day
to day, yet knows it must be done, hates to set about it, wishes it over, and is
continually haunted with the thoughts of its necessity.

assuring: assurant, garantissant.
connections: liaisons, fiche de
branchement, connexions,
raccordements.
continually: continuellement, de
manière continuelle, de façon
continuelle.
cruel: cruel, atroce, méchant.
denomination: dénomination,
coupure, confession, appellation.
disposition: disposition, don,
dispositif, aptitude, talent.
French
endured: supporta, enduré,
supportèrent, endura, endurâmes,
endurèrent, supportâmes, supportai,
endurai, supporté, enduras.
entering: entrant, introduisant.
hates: hait.
haunted: hanté.
ineffectually: de manière inefficace,
de façon inefficace.
manifesto: manifeste.
memorial: mémorial.
paradox: paradoxe.
peaceable: paisible, pacifique.
rank: rang, grade, rangée, file, tour.
redress: réparation.
refined: raffinâtes, raffinas, raffinai,
raffinèrent, raffinâmes, raffina,
raffiné, délicat, tendre, affiné, épura.
safely: de manière sûre, de façon sûre.
solve: résoudre, résolvez, résolvons,
résous, résolvent, dénouer.
subjection: soumission.
unpleasant: désagréable, déplaisant,
maussade.
 Thomas Paine 47

APPENDIX

SINCE%the publication of the first edition of this pamphlet, or rather, on the

same day on which it came out, the King's Speech made its appearance in this
city. Had the spirit of prophecy directed the birth of this production, it could not
have brought it forth, at a more seasonable juncture, or a more necessary time.
The bloody mindedness of the one, shew the necessity of pursuing the doctrine
of the other. Men read by way of revenge. And the Speech instead of terrifying,
prepared a way for the manly principles of Independance.
Ceremony, and even, silence, from whatever motive they may arise, have a
hurtful tendency, when they give the least degree of countenance to base and
wicked performances; wherefore, if this maxim be admitted, it naturally follows,
that the King's Speech, as being a piece of finished villany, deserved, and still
deserves, a general execration both by the Congress and the people. Yet, as the
domestic tranquillity of a nation, depends greatly, on the chastity of what may
properly be called National Manners, it is often better, to pass some things over in
silent disdain, than to make use of such new methods of dislike, as might
introduce the least innovation, on that guardian of our peace and safety. And,
perhaps, it is chiefly owing to this prudent delicacy, that the King's Speech, hath
not, before now, suffered a public execution. The Speech if it may be called one,
is nothing better than a wilful audacious libel against the truth, the common
good, and the existence of mankind; and is a formal and pompous method of
French
audacious: audacieux, hardi. détestent, détestes, détestez, performances: exécutions.
ceremony: cérémonie. détestons, dédaigner. pompous: pompeux.
chastity: chasteté. edition: édition. prophecy: prophétie.
chiefly: principalement, surtout, execration: exécration. pursuing: poursuivant.
particulièrement, de façon chef, de execution: exécution. revenge: revanche, vengeance, venger.
manière chef. guardian: tuteur, gardien, curateur. seasonable: de saison, à propos,
countenance: encourager. hurtful: nuisible. opportun.
deserved: mérité, méritâmes, innovation: innovation. tendency: tendance, disposition,
méritèrent, méritai, mérita, méritas, juncture: jointure. aptitude, inclination, penchant.
méritâtes. libel: libelle, diffamation, calomnie terrifying: terrifiant.
directed: dirigé. écrite. tranquillity: tranquillité.
dislike: détester, antipathie, déteste, manly: viril. wilful: obstiné.
48 Common Sense

offering up human sacrifices to the pride of tyrants. But this general massacre of
mankind, is one of the privileges, and the certain consequence of Kings; for as
nature knows them not, they know not her, and although they are beings of our
own creating, they know not us, and are become the gods of their creators. The
Speech hath one good quality, which is, that it is not calculated to deceive,
neither can we, even if we would, be deceived by it. Brutality and tyranny
appear on the face of it. It leaves us at no loss: And every line convinces, even in
the moment of reading, that He, who hunts the woods for prey, the naked and
untutored Indian, is less a Savage than the King of Britain.%
Sir John Dalrymple, the putative father of a whining jesuitical piece,
fallaciously called, "The Address of the People of England to the Inhabitants of
America," hath, perhaps, from a vain supposition, that the people HERE were to
be frightened at the pomp and description of a king, given, (though very
unwisely on his part) the real character of the present one: "But," says this writer,
"if you are inclined to pay compliments to an administration, which we do not
complain of," (meaning the Marquis of Rockingham's at the repeal of the Stamp
Act) "it is very unfair in you to withhold them from that prince, by whose nod
alone they were permitted to do any thing." This is toryism with a witness! Here is
idolatry even without a mask: And he who can so calmly hear, and digest such
doctrine, hath forfeited his claim to rationality--an apostate from the order of
manhood; and ought to be considered--as one, who hath, not only given up the
proper dignity of a man, but sunk himself beneath the rank of animals, and
contemptibly crawls through the world like a worm.
However, it matters very little now, what the king of England either says or
does; he hath wickedly broken through every moral and human obligation,
trampled nature and conscience beneath his feet; and by a steady and
constitutional spirit of insolence and cruelty, procured for himself an universal
hatred. It is NOW the interest of America to provide for herself. She hath already
a large and young family, whom it is more her duty to take care of, than to be
granting away her property, to support a power who is become a reproach to the
names of men and christians--YE, whose office it is to watch over the morals of a

apostate: apostat.
brutality: brutalité.
contemptibly: de manière méprisable,
de façon méprisable.
convinces: convainc.
crawls: rampe.
creators: créateurs.
deceive: tromper, trompe, trompent,
trompez, trompes, trompons, tricher,
décevoir, triches, trichent, trichez.
digest: digérer, condensé.
fallaciously: de manière trompeuse,
French
de façon trompeuse. trampled: piétiné.
forfeited: perdu, forfaite, forfaites, tyrants: tyrans.
forfaits. untutored: peu instruit, non formé.
hunts: chasse. unwisely: de manière imprudente, de
manhood: virilité. façon imprudente.
morals: morale, moeurs. vain: vain, vaniteux, abortif, frivole.
pomp: pompe, splendeur. whining: geignant, gémissant, criant,
procured: procuras, procurâtes, gémissements.
procurèrent, procurâmes, procuré, wickedly: de manière méchante, de
procurai, procura. façon méchante.
putative: putatif. withhold: retenir, retiens, retenez,
supposition: hypothèse, supposition. retenons, retiennent.
 Thomas Paine 49

nation, of whatsoever sect or denomination ye are of, as well as ye, who, are
more immediately the guardians of the public liberty, if ye wish to preserve your
native country uncontaminated by European corruption, ye must in secret wish
a separation--But leaving the moral part to private reflection, I shall chiefly
confine my farther remarks to the following heads.%
First, That it is the interest of America to be separated from Britain.
Secondly, Which is the easiest and most practicable plan,
RECONCILIATION or INDEPENDANCE? with some occasional remarks.
In support of the first, I could, if I judged it proper, produce the opinion of
some of the ablest and most experienced men on this continent; and whose
sentiments, on that head, are not yet publicly known. It is in reality a self-evident
position: For no nation in a state of foreign dependance, limited in its commerce,
and cramped and fettered in its legislative powers, can ever arrive at any
material eminence. America doth not yet know what opulence is; and although
the progress which she hath made stands unparalleled in the history of other
nations, it is but childhood, compared with what she would be capable of
arriving at, had she, as she ought to have, the legislative powers in her own
hands. England is, at this time, proudly coveting what would do her no good,
were she to accomplish it; and the Continent hesitating on a matter, which will
be her final ruin if neglected. It is the commerce and not the conquest of
America, by which England is to be benefited, and that would in a great measure
continue, were the countries as independant of each other as France and Spain;
because in many articles, neither can go to a better market. But it is the
independance of this country of Britain or any other, which is now the main and
only object worthy of contention, and which, like all other truths discovered by
necessity, will appear clearer and stronger every day.
First, Because it will come to that one time or other.
Secondly, Because, the longer it is delayed the harder it will be to accomplish.
I have frequently amused myself both in public and private companies, with
silently remarking, the specious errors of those who speak without reflecting.
And among the many which I have heard, the following seems most general, viz.
French
amused: amusé, amusai, amusa, judged: jugé. reflection: réflexion, reflet.
amusâmes, amusèrent, amusas, legislative: législatif. remarking: remarquant.
amusâtes. native: autochtone, naturel, natif, remarks: remarque.
arriving: arrivant. aborigène, inné, indigène, natal. sect: secte.
clearer: purgeur, nettoyeur. neglected: négligé. separated: séparé.
confine: limiter, confiner, confinent. opulence: opulence. silently: silencieusement, de manière
contention: contention, conflit, proudly: fièrement, de manière fire, de silencieuse, de façon silencieuse.
assertion. façon fire. stands: tribune.
corruption: corruption. publicly: publiquement, de façon unparalleled: incomparable, sans
coveting: convoitant. publique, de manière publique. précédent.
easiest: le plus facile. reflecting: reflétant, réfléchissant, whatsoever: quelconque, quoi que.
hesitating: hésitant, barguignant. renvoyant. ye: vous, toi, tu.
50 Common Sense

that had this rupture happened forty or fifty years hence, instead of NOW, the
Continent would have been more able to have shaken off the dependance. To
which I reply, that our military ability at this time, arises from the experience
gained in the last war, and which in forty or fifty years time, would have been
totally extinct. The Continent, would not, by that time, have had a General, or
even a military officer left; and we, or those who may succeed us, would have
been as ignorant of martial matters as the ancient Indians: And this single
position, closely attended to, will unanswerably prove, that the present time is
preferable to all others. The argument turns thus--at the conclusion of the last
war, we had experience, but wanted numbers; and forty or fifty years hence, we
should have numbers, without experience; wherefore, the proper point of time,
must be some particular point between the two extremes, in which a sufficiency
of the former remains, and a proper increase of the latter is obtained: And that
point of time is the present time.%
The reader will pardon this digression, as it does not properly come under
the head I first set out with, and to which I again return by the following
position, viz.
Should affairs be patched up with Britain, and she to remain the governing
and sovereign power of America, (which, as matters are now circumstanced, is
giving up the point intirely) we shall deprive ourselves of the very means of
sinking the debt we have, or may contract. The value of the back lands which
some of the provinces are clandestinely deprived of, by the unjust extension of
the limits of Canada, valued only at five pounds sterling per hundred acres,
amount to upwards of twenty-five millions, Pennsylvania currency; and the quit-
rents at one penny sterling per acre, to two millions yearly.
It is by the sale of those lands that the debt may be sunk, without burthen to
any, and the quit-rent reserved thereon, will always lessen, and in time, will
wholly support the yearly expence of government. It matters not how long the
debt is in paying, so that the lands when sold be applied to the discharge of it,
and for the execution of which, the Congress for the time being, will be the
continental trustees.

acre: acre.
clandestinely: de manière clandestine,
de façon clandestine.
deprive: dépouiller, priver, privent,
dépouillez, privez, prives, privons,
dépouilles, dépouillent, dépouille,
prive.
deprived: privé, dépouillas, privâtes,
privas, privâmes, privai, priva,
dépouillèrent, dépouillâtes,
privèrent, dépouillâmes.
digression: digression.
French
discharge: décharge, congé, décharger,
renvoyer, déchargement, débit,
acquittement, écoulement, licencier,
partir, quitus.
extinct: éteint.
governing: gouvernant, régnant.
lessen: diminuer, diminuez,
diminuons, diminues, diminue,
diminuent, amoindrir, amoindrissez,
amoindris, amoindrissent,
amoindrissons.
martial: martial.
pardon: pardon, pardonner, excuser,
grâce.
reserved: réservé, réservée.
shaken: secoué, ébranlé.
sinking: affaissement, naufrage.
sovereign: souverain.
sufficiency: suffisance, exhaustivité.
sunk: sombré, enfoncés, enfoncées,
enfoncée, enfoncé.
trustees: administrateurs.
valued: estimé.
yearly: annuellement, annuel.
 Thomas Paine 51

I proceed now to the second head, viz. Which is the easiest and most
practicable plan, RECONCILIATION or INDEPENDANCE; with some
occasional remarks.%
He who takes nature for his guide is not easily beaten out of his argument,
and on that ground, I answer generally--That independance being a single simple
line, contained within ourselves; and reconciliation, a matter exceedingly perplexed and
complicated, and in which, a treacherous capricious court is to interfere, gives the
answer without a doubt.
The present state of America is truly alarming to every man who is capable of
reflexion. Without law, without government, without any other mode of power
than what is founded on, and granted by courtesy. Held together by an
unexampled concurrence of sentiment, which, is nevertheless subject to change,
and which, every secret enemy is endeavouring to dissolve. Our present
condition, is, Legislation without law; wisdom without a plan; constitution
without a name; and, what is strangely astonishing, perfect Independance
contending for dependance. The instance is without a precedent; the case never
existed before; and who can tell what may be the event? The property of no man
is secure in the present unbraced system of things. The mind of the multitude is
left at random, and seeing no fixed object before them, they pursue such as fancy
or opinion starts. Nothing is criminal; there is no such thing as treason;
wherefore, every one thinks himself at liberty to act as he pleases. The Tories
dared not have assembled offensively, had they known that their lives, by that
act, were forfeited to the laws of the state. A line of distinction should be drawn,
between, English soldiers taken in battle, and inhabitants of America taken in
arms. The first are prisoners, but the latter traitors. The one forfeits his liberty,
the other his head.
Notwithstanding our wisdom, there is a visible feebleness in some of our
proceedings which gives encouragement to dissentions. The Continental Belt is
too loosely buckled. And if something is not done in time, it will be too late to
do any thing, and we shall fall into a state, in which, neither RECONCILIATION
nor INDEPENDANCE will be practicable. The king and his worthless adherents

alarming: alarmant.
astonishing: étonnant.
buckled: bouclé.
capricious: capricieux.
contending: contestant.
courtesy: courtoisie.
dared: osé, osa, osai, osèrent, osâtes,
osâmes, osas, aventurèrent,
aventurâtes, aventura, aventuras.
encouragement: encouragement.
existed: existâtes, existas, existai,
existâmes, existé, exista, existèrent.
French
fancy: imaginer, fantaisie, songer,
rêver éveillé, aimer.
feebleness: faiblesse.
founded: fondé.
interfere: interférer, interfère,
interfèrent, interfères, interférez,
interférons, intervenir.
loosely: de manière détachée, de façon
détachée.
multitude: multitude, amas, foule, tas,
masse.
offensively: de manière offensante, de
façon offensante.
perplexed: embarrassa, embarrassai,
embarrassâmes, embarrassas,
embarrassâtes, embarrassèrent,
perplexe, embarrassé.
pleases: plaît, plait.
random: aléatoire, accidentel, au
hasard, hasard.
strangely: étrangement, de façon
étrange, de manière étrange.
treacherous: traître, déloyal.
treason: trahison.
52 Common Sense

are got at their old game of dividing the Continent, and there are not wanting
among us, Printers, who will be busy spreading specious falsehoods. The artful
and hypocritical letter which appeared a few months ago in two of the New
York papers, and likewise in two others, is an evidence that there are men who
want either judgment or honesty.%
It is easy getting into holes and corners and talking of reconciliation: But do
such men seriously consider, how difficult the task is, and how dangerous it may
prove, should the Continent divide thereon. Do they take within their view, all
the various orders of men whose situation and circumstances, as well as their
own, are to be considered therein. Do they put themselves in the place of the
sufferer whose all is already gone, and of the soldier, who hath quitted all for the
defence of his country. If their ill judged moderation be suited to their own
private situations only, regardless of others, the event will convince them, that
"they are reckoning without their Host."
Put us, say some, on the footing we were on in sixty-three: To which I
answer, the request is not now in the power of Britain to comply with, neither
will she propose it; but if it were, and even should be granted, I ask, as a
reasonable question, By what means is such a corrupt and faithless court to be
kept to its engagements? Another parliament, nay, even the present, may
hereafter repeal the obligation, on the pretence, of its being violently obtained, or
unwisely granted; and in that case, Where is our redress?--No going to law with
nations; cannon are the barristers of Crowns; and the sword, not of justice, but of
war, decides the suit. To be on the footing of sixty-three, it is not sufficient, that
the laws only be put on the same state, but, that our circumstances, likewise, be
put on the same state; Our burnt and destroyed towns repaired or built up, our
private losses made good, our public debts (contracted for defence) discharged;
otherwise, we shall be millions worse than we were at that enviable period. Such
a request, had it been complied with a year ago, would have won the heart and
soul of the Continent--but now it is too late, "The Rubicon is passed."
Besides, the taking up arms, merely to enforce the repeal of a pecuniary law,
seems as unwarrantable by the divine law, and as repugnant to human feelings,

artful: astucieux.
cannon: canon.
complied: complut, complue,
complurent, conformé, complu,
complues.
comply: se conformer, complaisez,
complais, complaisent, complaisons.
convince: convaincre, convaincs,
convainquent, convainquez,
convainquons.
corners: accule.
decides: décide.
French
discharged: déchargé.
dividing: divisant, partageant,
séparant, débitant, triant.
enforce: réaliser, imposer, mettre en
vigueur, imposent, réalisent, réalisez,
réalisons, réalises, imposons,
imposez, impose.
enviable: enviable.
faithless: infidèle.
footing: pied, semelle.
hypocritical: hypocrite.
moderation: modération.
pecuniary: pécuniaire, financier.
propose: proposer, proposes, propose,
proposons, proposez, proposent.
quitted: quittés, quittées, quittâmes,
quittèrent, quittai.
soldier: soldat, militaire.
spreading: diffusion, épandage,
enduction, enduisage.
sufferer: victime.
therein: en cela.
violently: violemment, de manière
violente, de façon violente.
 Thomas Paine 53

as the taking up arms to enforce obedience thereto. The object, on either side,
doth not justify the means; for the lives of men are too valuable to be cast away
on such trifles. It is the violence which is done and threatened to our persons; the
destruction of our property by an armed force; the invasion of our country by
fire and sword, which conscientiously qualifies the use of arms: And the instant,
in which such a mode of defence became necessary, all subjection to Britain
ought to have ceased; and the independancy of America, should have been
considered, as dating its era from, and published by, the first musket that was
fired against her. This line is a line of consistency; neither drawn by caprice, nor
extended by ambition; but produced by a chain of events, of which the colonies
were not the authors.%
I shall conclude these remarks, with the following timely and well intended
hints. We ought to reflect, that there are three different ways, by which an
independancy may hereafter be effected; and that one of those three, will one day
or other, be the fate of America, viz. By the legal voice of the people in Congress;
by a military power; or by a mob: It may not always happen that our soldiers are
citizens, and the multitude a body of reasonable men; virtue, as I have already
remarked, is not hereditary, neither is it perpetual. Should an independancy be
brought about by the first of those means, we have every opportunity and every
encouragement before us, to form the noblest purest constitution on the face of
the earth. We have it in our power to begin the world over again. A situation,
similar to the present, hath not happened since the days of Noah until now. The
birthday of a new world is at hand, and a race of men, perhaps as numerous as
all Europe contains, are to receive their portion of freedom from the event of a
few months. The Reflexion is awful--and in this point of view, How trifling, how
ridiculous, do the little, paltry cavellings, of a few weak or interested men
appear, when weighed against the business of a world.
Should we neglect the present favorable and inviting period, and an
Independance be hereafter effected by any other means, we must charge the
consequence to ourselves, or to those rather, whose narrow and prejudiced souls,
are habitually opposing the measure, without either inquiring or reflecting.

ambition: ambition, souhait,
aspiration.
caprice: caprice.
ceased: cessé.
conclude: conclure, concluez,
concluent, concluons, conclus,
terminer.
consistency: consistance, cohérence,
conséquence, composition,
aboutissement, répercussion, fidélité,
suite.
dating: datation, datant.
French
destruction: destruction, ravage,
annihilation.
era: époque, ère.
favorable: favorable.
fired: traité par pointes de feu.
habitually: de manière habituelle, de
façon habituelle, habituellement.
inquiring: s'enquérant, interrogateur.
invasion: invasion.
inviting: invitant.
justify: justifier, justifies, justifie,
justifiez, justifions, justifient.
mob: foule.
musket: mousquet.
neglect: négliger, négligence,
dédaigner, coups partis avec
éléments erronés, négligent.
portion: partie, portion, part.
qualifies: qualifie.
remarked: remarqué.
timely: opportun.
trifles: bagatelles.
weighed: pesas, pesâtes, pesai,
pesâmes, pesé, pesa, pesèrent.
54 Common Sense

There are reasons to be given in support of Independance, which men should

rather privately think of, than be publicly told of. We ought not now to be
debating whether we shall be independant or not, but, anxious to accomplish it
on a firm, secure, and honorable basis, and uneasy rather that it is not yet began
upon. Every day convinces us of its necessity. Even the Tories (if such beings yet
remain among us) should, of all men, be the most solicitous to promote it; for, as
the appointment of committees at first, protected them from popular rage, so, a
wise and well established form of government, will be the only certain means of
continuing it securely to them. wherefore, if they have not virtue enough to be
Whigs, they ought to have prudence enough to wish for Independance.%
In short, Independance is the only BOND that can tye and keep us together.
We shall then see our object, and our ears will be legally shut against the schemes
of an intriguing, as well, as a cruel enemy. We shall then too, be on a proper
footing, to treat with Britain; for there is reason to conclude, that the pride of that
court, will be less hurt by treating with the American states for terms of peace,
than with those, whom she denominates, "rebellious subjects," for terms of
accommodation. It is our delaying it that encourages her to hope for conquest,
and our backwardness tends only to prolong the war. As we have, without any
good effect therefrom, withheld our trade to obtain a redress of our grievances,
let us NOW try the alternative, by independantly redressing them ourselves, and
then offering to open the trade. The mercantile and reasonable part in England,
will be still with us; because, peace WITH trade, is preferable to war without it.
And if this offer be not accepted, other courts may be applied to.
On these grounds I rest the matter. And as no offer hath yet been made to
refute the doctrine contained in the former editions of this pamphlet, it is a
negative proof, that either the doctrine cannot be refuted, or, that the party in
favour of it are too numerous to be opposed. wherefore, instead of gazing at each
other with suspicious or doubtful curiosity, let each of us, hold out to his
neighbour the hearty hand of friendship, and unite in drawing a line, which, like
an act of oblivion, shall bury in forgetfulness every former dissention. Let the
names of Whig and Tory be extinct; and let none other be heard among us, than

backwardness: retard.
bury: enterrer, enterre, enterres,
enterrez, enterrons, enterrent,
inhumer, ensevelir, inhumons,
inhumez, inhumes.
curiosity: curiosité.
debating: débattant.
delaying: dilatoire, surséant.
denominates: dénomme.
doubtful: incertain, douteux.
forgetfulness: oubli.
hearty: cordial, chaleureux.
French
independantly: de manière
indépendante, de façon
indépendante.
intriguing: intriguer, intriguant.
mercantile: mercantile.
oblivion: oubli.
opposed: opposé, opposas, opposâtes,
opposa, opposâmes, opposai,
opposèrent, rouspétâtes, rouspété,
rouspétas, rouspétâmes.
privately: de manière privée, de façon
privée.
prolong: prolonger, prolonge,
prolonges, prolongent, prolongez,
prolongeons.
rage: fureur, rage, furie, tempêter,
rager.
refuted: réfutâtes, réfutas, réfutai,
réfutâmes, réfuta, réfuté, réfutèrent.
solicitous: préoccupé, soucieux.
suspicious: méfiant, soupçonneux,
suspect, sinistre.
treating: traitant.
uneasy: agité, inquiet, gêné.
 Thomas Paine 55

those %of a good citizen, an open and resolute friend, and a virtuous supporter of the
RIGHTS of MANKIND and of the FREE AND INDEPENDANT STATES OF
AMERICA.

French
citizen: citoyen.
friend: ami, amie, copain, copine,
camarade.
resolute: résolu.
supporter: partisan, adhérent, affilié,
adepte, supporter.
virtuous: vertueux.
 56
ability: capacité, aptitude, habilité,
compétence, pouvoir, habileté
abound: abonder, abondons,
abondent, abondez, abonde,
abondes, grouiller, fourmiller,
fourmille, fourmilles, fourmillent
abroad: à l'étranger, dehors
abrupt: abrupt, brusque, raide,
inattendu, escarpé, soudain, subit, à
pic
absolute: absolu, complet,
inéluctable, absolue, immense,
illimité, pur
absorbed: absorbé, absorba,
absorbâmes, absorbèrent, absorbai,
absorbas, absorbâtes
absurd: absurde, aberrant
absurdity: absurdité
abuse: abus, abuser, défaut,
tourmenter, insulter, injure,
maltraiter, affront, offenser
acceptance: acceptation, réception,
accueil, abord, approbation, recette
accepted: accepté, acceptâmes,
acceptai, accepta, acceptèrent,
acceptas, acceptâtes, agréé,
agréâmes, agréèrent, agréa
accommodation: accommodation,
logement, accommodement,
compromis, arrangement,
construction, domicile, disposition,
gîte, habitation, hébergement
accomplish: accomplir,
accomplissons, accomplissez,
accomplissent, accomplis, réaliser,
réalise, réalisons, réalisez, réalisent,
réalises
accomplished: accompli,
accomplîmes, accomplit,
accomplîtes, accomplis,
accomplirent, réalisâmes, réalisâtes,
réalisèrent, réalisé, réalisai
accomplishing: accomplissant,
réalisant, confectionnant,
remplissant
according: selon
account: compte, considérer, client,
relation, rapport, croire,
Common Sense
GLOSSARY
communication, description, être
d'avis, addition, penser que
accounts: comptabilité, comptes
achievements: prouesses,
accomplissements
acknowledge: reconnaître,
reconnaissez, reconnais,
reconnaissent, reconnaissons, croire,
avouer, confesser, confirmer
acquaintance: connaissance, relation,
personne de connaissance, abord
acre: acre
acting: intérimaire, interprétation
active: actif, agissant, active,
laborieux
acts: agit
adam: Adam
added: ajoutèrent, ajoutâtes, ajoutas,
ajouta, ajoutâmes, ajouté, ajoutai,
additionnai, additionné,
additionnâmes, additionna
address: adresse, adresser,
destination, aborder, interpeller,
discours, allocution
addresses: adresses
adds: ajoute, additionne, adjoint
adherents: adhérents, parti, suite
administered: administras,
administra, administrai,
administrâtes, administrèrent,
administrâmes, Administré
administration: administration,
gouvernement
admit: admettre, admettons,
admettez, admets, admettent,
avouer, reconnaître, confesser,
laisser entrer, permettre
admits: admet
admitted: admis, admit, admirent,
admîmes, admîtes
admitting: admettant
adopted: adopté, adoptas, adoptâtes,
adoptâmes, adopta, adoptèrent,
adoptai, adoptif
advanced: avancé, poussé, avance
advantage: avantage, intérêt
advantages: avantages
adventurer: aventurier
advise: conseiller, recommander
advises: conseille
advocate: avocat, défenseur,
préconiser
advocates: défenseurs
affair: affaire, chose, cas
affairs: affaires
affected: affecté, affectâtes, affectas,
affecta, affectâmes, affectèrent,
affectai, maniéré, artificiel, ému,
influai
affection: affection, amour
affirm: affirmer, affirment, affirmons,
affirmez, affirme, affirmes, assurer,
certifier, garantir
affirming: affirmant
affluence: richesse, abondance,
aisance
afford: produire, produisons,
produisent, produis, produisez,
permettre
affords: produit
afraid: timide, peureux, effrayé
africa: Afrique
afterwards: après, ensuite, puis, par
la suite, plus tard
ages: vieillit
aggravated: aggravé, aggravai,
aggrava, aggravâmes, aggravèrent,
aggravas, aggravâtes, agaçâtes,
agaça, agaçai, agacèrent
agree: consentir, consentent,
consentez, consentons, consens, être
d'accord, s'accorder, donner son
accord, s'harmoniser, admettre,
accepter
agreeable: agréable, aimable
agrees: consent
alarming: alarmant
alas: hélas, malheureusement
alliance: alliance
allow: permettre, permets,
permettons, permettez, permettent,
laisser, autoriser, accorder, admettre
allowed: permit, permîtes, permirent,
permîmes, permis
almighty: omnipotent
alone: seul, seulement

alteration: modification,
transformation, altération,
changement, retouche
altered: altéré, altéras, altérâtes,
altérèrent, altéra, altérai, altérâmes
alternative: alternative, alternatif
ambiguous: ambigu,
amphibologique, équivoque
ambition: ambition, souhait,
aspiration
amen: amen
america: Amérique
american: américain
americans: américains
amount: montant, somme, quantité,
nombre, total
amuse: amuser, amusent, amusons,
amusez, amuse, amuses
amused: amusé, amusai, amusa,
amusâmes, amusèrent, amusas,
amusâtes
ancestors: ancêtres
ancient: antique, ancien
anger: colère
animals: animaux
annual: annuel, annuaire
answer: réponse, répondre,
répondez, réplique
answering: réponse, répondant
answers: répond
antiquity: antiquité
anxious: inquiet, agité, anxieux,
soucieux, impatient
apart: particulier, à part,
particulièrement, séparément
apostate: apostat
appeal: appel, faire appel, recours,
pourvoi, appeler, attrait, charme
appear: apparaître, apparaissez,
apparaissons, apparaissent,
apparais, sembler, paraître, avoir
l'air de, surgir, comparaître
appearance: aspect, apparence,
comparution, allure, apparition,
spectacle, air
appeared: apparu, apparûtes,
apparurent, apparut, apparus,
apparûmes
appears: apparaît
appendix: appendice, annexe
applied: appliqué, appliqua,
appliquâtes, appliquas, appliquai,
appliquèrent, appliquâmes,
pratiquas, pratiquâtes, pratiqué,
pratiquâmes
appoint: nommer, nomment, nomme,
nommons, nommez, nommes,
désigner, appointer
appointed: nomma, nommèrent,
nommâtes, nommas, nommâmes,
nommai, nommé
appointment: nomination, rencontre
Thomas Paine
approaches: approches, rapproche
approve: approuver, approuve,
approuves, approuvez, approuvent,
approuvons, donner son accord
approved: approuvé, approuvâtes,
approuvas, approuva, approuvai,
approuvâmes, approuvèrent,
homologué
april: avril
apt: doué
arbitrary: arbitraire
argued: argumenta, arraisonnâtes,
arguas, arguâtes, argumentâmes,
argumentas, argumentâtes,
argumenté, argumentai,
arraisonnas, argumentèrent
argument: argument, débat, dispute,
discussion
arguments: argumentaire
arise: naître, naissons, naissez, nais,
naissent, se soulever, surgir, se lever
arisen: né
arises: naît
arising: naissant
armed: armé
arms: bras, arme
army: armée, armée militaire
arranged: arrangé, arrangèrent,
arrangeâtes, arrangeas, arrangeai,
arrangeâmes, arrangea, disposé,
disposâmes, disposèrent, disposas
arrive: arriver, arrive, arrives,
arrivons, arrivez, arrivent
arrived: arrivé, arrivas, arrivâtes,
arrivai, arriva, arrivâmes, arrivèrent,
arrivées
arriving: arrivant
art: art
artful: astucieux
article: article, objet, chose
articles: rôle d'équipage
ashes: cendres
asia: Asie
aside: de côté, aparté, excepté
ask: demander, demande,
demandent, demandons, demandez,
demandes, poser une question, prier
asking: demandant
ass: âne, baudet, cul
assemble: assembler, monter,
assembles, montent, montes,
montez, assemble, montons, monte,
assemblons, assemblez
assembled: montâmes, montas,
montâtes, montèrent, assemblas,
assemblâtes, monta, montai, monté,
assemblé, assembla
assemblies: éléments complexes de
construction, appareils groupés
assembly: assemblée, assemblage,
montage, ensemble, accumulation,
assemblée politique, rassemblement
57
assert: affirmer, affirme, affirmes,
affirment, affirmez, affirmons
asserted: affirmé, affirmâtes,
affirmas, affirmèrent, affirma,
affirmâmes, affirmai
assertion: assertion, affirmation
assign: assigner, assignes, assigne,
assignent, assignons, assignez,
attribuer, attribue, attribuent,
attribues, attribuez
assigned: assigné, assignâtes,
assignas, assigna, assignâmes,
assignai, assignèrent, attribué,
attribuèrent, attribua, attribuai
assistance: assistance, aide
associate: associé, associer,
s'accoupler
assuming: assumant, supposant
assured: assuré, assuras, assurâtes,
assura, assurèrent, assurai,
assurâmes, garantit, garanti,
garantîmes, garantirent
assuring: assurant, garantissant
astonishing: étonnant
asylum: asile, refuge, abri
attached: attaché, attachai,
attachèrent, attachâmes, attacha,
attachâtes, attachas, apposa,
apposèrent, apposé, apposâtes
attachment: attachement, saisie,
accessoire, annexe, attache
attack: attaque, attaquer, assaut,
accès, assaillir, agresser, agression
attacked: attaqué
attempt: tentative, essai, essayer,
essayez, essaient, essaies, essaie,
essayons, effort, démarche, requête
attend: être présent, assister, soigner,
visiter, soignons, assiste, assistes,
assistez, assistons, soigne, soignent
attendant: préposé, gardien,
serviteur, surveillant
attended: assisté, soignas, soignâtes,
assista, assistai, assistâmes, assistas,
assistâtes, assistèrent, soigna,
soignai
attending: assistant, soignant
attends: assiste, soigne
attention: attention
attributing: attribuant
audacious: audacieux, hardi
augment: augmenter, accroître,
augmentent, augmentons,
augmentez, augmentes, augmente,
accroissez, accroissent, accrois,
accroissons
author: auteur, écrivain
authoritatively: de manière autorisée,
de façon autorisée
authority: autorité, pouvoir,
autorités, instance
authors: auteurs
 58
avail: avantage, profiter
avarice: avarice
avoid: éviter, évites, évite, évitent,
évitons, évitez, parer, esquiver,
s'abstenir de, esquives, esquivons
avoided: évitâtes, évitas, évité, évitai,
évitâmes, évitèrent, évita, esquiva,
esquivâtes, esquivé, esquivas
awaken: réveiller, réveilles, réveille,
réveillons, réveillez, réveillent
backs: parties arrières, sections
arrières
backward: en arrière
backwardness: retard
bad: mauvais, méchant, mal
badge: insigne
bakers: boulangers
ballot: scrutin, ballotter, vote, voter
au scrutin, tour de scrutin, bulletin
de vote
bane: fléau
barbarism: barbarisme
barbarity: barbarie
barbarous: barbare
barefaced: effronté
bargain: marchander, négocier,
bonne affaire, affaire, occasion,
marché
barrenness: stérilité, aridité
base: base, baser, assise, culot,
embase, abject, lâche, pied, socle,
patin, fonder
basis: base, assise
bastard: bâtard, métis, enfant naturel,
roche massive, salaud
battle: bataille, combat, lutte
bear: ours, endurer, produire,
souffrir, subir, mettre au monde,
baissier, porter, faire naître,
supporter
bears: ours
beaten: battu, abattue, abattues,
battue
becomes: devient
bed: lit, planche, couche, banc
beg: mendier, mendions, mendiez,
mendies, mendie, mendient,
demander, prier, quémander,
implorer, supplier
begin: commencer, commencez,
commences, commence,
commencent, commençons, débuter,
débute, débutent, débutes, débutez
beginning: début, commençant,
commencement, débutant,
inauguration
behalf: part
behold: voilà, voici, apercevoir, voir
belong: appartenir, faire partie de,
appartenons, appartenez,
appartiens, appartiennent
belt: ceinture, courroie
Common Sense
beneath: sous, dessous
benefit: avantage, bénéfice,
prestation, allocation, intérêt, gain,
profit, indemnité
bent: courbé, courbe, courbai,
disposition, cambrai, penché
bequeath: léguer, léguons, lègues,
lègue, léguez, lèguent
besides: en outre, hormis, d'ailleurs,
sauf, en prime, et puis, de plus,
outre
bestowed: accordé, accorda, accordai,
accordâmes, accordas, accordâtes,
accordèrent
betray: trahir, trahissent, trahissez,
trahis, trahissons
bewildered: éperdu, effarai, effara,
effarâtes, effaras, effaré, effarée,
effarâmes, effarèrent
beyond: plus loin, après, outre,
ensuite
bias: biais, parti pris, préjugé,
distorsion, polarisation, erreur
systématique, partialité
bid: offre, soumission, demander,
offrir, prier, enchère, annonce,
tentative de prise, mise dans les
enchères
bill: bec, addition, note, facture,
billet, projet de loi, traite, ticket,
effet, compte, lettre de change
bills: bacs
birth: naissance
birthday: anniversaire
blessing: bénédiction, bénissant
blocked: bloqué
blood: sang
bloody: sanglant
blot: tache, pâté
blows: coups, souffle
board: planche, carte, panneau,
conseil, comité, carton, pension,
commission, aborder, monter à bord
boasted: vanté
bodies: corps
bolts: boulons, témoins
bond: lien, obligation, liaison, coller,
adhérence, titres, lier, bon,
cautionnement
born: né
boston: Boston
bound: bond, lié, limite, relié
boundless: illimité, sans bornes
branch: branche, succursale, filiale,
spécialité, rameau, domaine,
apophyse, branchement, bureau,
embranchement, ramification
brave: courageux, vaillant, brave
breach: brèche, infraction, violation,
trouée
bread: pain
break: rompre, briser, pause, casser,
cassure, rupture, violer,
interruption, repos, trêve, fracture
breaking: rupture, broyage, fracture,
floculation, brisement
breaks: brise, casse, rompt
bribery: corruption, subornation
brig: brick
bring: apporter, apportons, apportes,
apporte, apportez, apportent,
amener, amenons, amènes, amène,
amenez
bringing: apportant, amenant
brink: bord, lisière
broken: cassé, brisé, rompu
brotherhood: fraternité, confrérie
brought: apportas, apportâtes,
apportâmes, apportai, apporta,
apportèrent, apporté, amenai,
amené, amenâtes, amenas
brutality: brutalité
brutally: de manière maussade, de
façon maussade
brute: brute
buckled: bouclé
build: construire, bâtir, maçonner,
charpenter, construction, poser,
édifier, version
building: bâtiment, construction,
édifice
built: édifiée, édifié, édifiés, édifiées,
construit
bulk: vrac, grandeur, ampleur,
masse, volume, importance, taille
burdening: surcharger, alourdissant
burnt: brûlé
bury: enterrer, enterre, enterres,
enterrez, enterrons, enterrent,
inhumer, ensevelir, inhumons,
inhumez, inhumes
busy: occupé, actif, affairé
buy: acheter, achat, acquérir
caesar: César
calamity: calamité, plaie, fléau
calculated: calculas, calculâtes,
calculé, calculâmes, calculèrent,
calcula, calculai, comptai,
comptâmes, comptas, comptâtes
calculations: calculs
call: appel, appeler, appelles, appelle,
appelons, appellent, appelez,
communication, nommer, visite,
escale
calling: appelant, appel
callous: calleux, dur
calls: appelle
calmly: de manière calme, de façon
calme
canada: Canada, le Canada
cannon: canon
capable: capable, compétent
capital: capital, capitale, fonds,
capital social, chapiteau, majuscule

caprice: caprice
capricious: capricieux
captain: capitaine, commandant,
capitaine de vaisseau
captains: capitaines
carefully: soigneusement, de façon
prudente, de manière prudente
carried: portâtes, portas, porté, porta,
portèrent, portâmes, portai,
transportèrent, transportâmes,
transportas, transporté
carry: porter, portes, porte, portons,
portent, portez, report, transporter,
transportent, transportes, transporte
cast: fondre, moule, coulée, couler,
distribution, acteurs, plâtre
casual: désinvolte
cause: cause, causer, faire, rendre,
déterminer, procurer, entraîner des
conséquences, situer, occasionner,
motif
causes: cause
cease: cesser, cessent
ceased: cessé
ceases: cesse
censure: critiquer, reprendre
century: siècle
ceremony: cérémonie
certainly: certainement, certes,
assurément, sûrement, d'abord, si,
de manière certaine, de façon
certaine
chain: chaîne, chaînette,
enchaînement, enchaîner
challenge: contester, disputer,
récusation, défier
chance: hasard, chance, accidentel,
occasion
character: caractère, personnage,
signe, nature, témoignage,
tempérament
characteristic: caractéristique,
caractère
characters: caractères
charge: charger, accusation, charge,
plainte, imputation, chef
d'accusation, taxe, accuser,
chargement
charges: frais, charges
charta: charte
charter: charte, affrètement, affréter
chastity: chasteté
cheap: bon marché, abordable
cheated: déçu
check: chèque, vérifier, contrôle,
contrôler, vérification, bride,
enrayer, surveiller, réprimer, retenir,
cocher
checking: vérification, contrôle,
récolement, pointage
chief: chef, principal, dominant
chiefly: principalement, surtout,
Thomas Paine
particulièrement, de façon chef, de
manière chef
childhood: enfance
childish: enfantin, puéril
choice: choix
choose: choisir, choisissent, choisis,
choisissons, choisissez, désigner,
adopter, opter, opte, optent, optes
choosing: choisissant, optant
chosen: choisi, élu, opté
christian: chrétien
chronology: chronologie
circumstance: circonstance
circumstances: situation
citizen: citoyen
civil: civil
claim: créance, réclamer,
revendication, demande, demander,
exiger, revendiquer, requérir
claimed: réclamé
clamorous: bruyant
clandestinely: de manière
clandestine, de façon clandestine
class: classe, cours, leçon, catégorie
clearer: purgeur, nettoyeur
clearly: clairement, de manière claire,
de façon claire, nettement
clog: boucher, sabot, obstruer,
entrave, raccommoder
closed: fermé, fermèrent, fermai,
ferma, fermâmes, fermas, fermâtes,
clos
closely: étroitement
coast: côte, bord, côte rivage
collect: recueillir, recueillez,
recueillent, recueillons, recueilles,
recueille, rassembler, collectionner,
rassemblez, rassemblons,
rassemblent
collected: recueillirent, recueilli,
recueillit, recueillîtes, recueillîmes,
recueillis, rassembla, rassemblèrent,
rassemblas, rassemblâmes,
rassemblai
colony: colonie, possession
combination: combinaison
commencement: début,
commencement, inauguration
commerce: commerce
committee: comité, commission
committees: comités
common: commun, ordinaire,
vulgaire
commons: biens communaux
commotion: agitation, scandale,
commotion
compact: compact, compacter
companion: compagnon, camarade,
compagne, accompagnateur
compared: comparèrent,
comparâmes, comparé, comparai,
compara, comparas, comparâtes
59
comparison: comparaison
compass: boussole, compas
compelled: obligé, obligèrent,
obligeâtes, obligeas, obligeâmes,
obligeai, obligea, astreintes
compensation: compensation,
dédommagement, indemnisation,
indemnité, rémunération, réparation
civile
complain: se plaindre, porter plainte,
plaindre
complained: plaint
complaint: réclamation, accusation
complement: complément
complex: complexe
complicated: compliqué, compliquai,
compliqua, compliquâmes,
compliquèrent, compliquas,
compliquâtes, complexe
complied: complut, complue,
complurent, conformé, complu,
complues
compliment: compliment
comply: se conformer, complaisez,
complais, complaisent, complaisons
component: composant, composante,
constituant, élément
composedly: de manière composée,
de façon composée
composition: composition,
arrangement
compounded: aggravé
compromise: compromis,
compromettre, transiger
conceal: cacher, cachons, cachez,
cachent, caches, cache, dissimuler,
dissimulons, dissimulez, dissimule,
dissimulent
concern: concerner, souci, regarder,
intéresser, soin, être en relation avec,
importance, intérêt, inquiétude,
préoccupation
concerns: concerne
concise: concis
conclude: conclure, concluez,
concluent, concluons, conclus,
terminer
conclusion: conclusion, résultat
concord: accord, concorde
concurrence: accord, concordance,
convention, entente
condition: condition, état,
conditionner, situation, manière
d'être
conduct: conduire, conduite, guider,
diriger, mener, aboutir, procédé,
régler
conference: conférence
conferring: conférant
confessed: confessé, confessai,
confessâmes, confessa, confessèrent,
confessas, confessâtes, avoué,
 60
avouâtes, avouèrent, avouâmes
confidence: confiance, foi, confidence
confine: limiter, confiner, confinent
confirms: confirme
confounded: confondu
confusion: confusion, désordre,
confusion mentale, affolement
congress: congrès
conjunction: conjonction, intersection
connected: connecté, connectèrent,
connectai, connectâmes, connectas,
connectâtes, connecta, cohérent,
branché, abouché, abouchèrent
connection: connexion, raccord,
liaison, raccordement, ligue, chaîne
de connexion, branchement,
rapport, communication, jonction,
réunion
connections: liaisons, fiche de
branchement, connexions,
raccordements
conquer: conquérir, conquièrent,
conquérez, conquérons, conquiers
conqueror: conquérant
conquest: conquête
conscience: conscience
conscientious: consciencieux
conscientiously: de manière
consciencieuse, de façon
consciencieuse
consent: consentement, consentir,
donner son accord, admettre, être
d'accord, agrément
consenting: consentant
consequence: conséquence,
aboutissement, répercussion, suite
consequences: effets
consequently: ensuite, donc, de
manière conséquente, de façon
conséquente, par conséquent
consider: considérer, considérons,
considèrent, considérez, considère,
considères, contempler, envisager,
regarder
considerably: considérablement, de
façon considérable, de manière
considérable
consideration: considération
considered: considéré, considérèrent,
considérâmes, considéra, considérai,
considéras, considérâtes, envisagé
considering: considérant
consisted: consistai, consisté,
consista, consistâmes, consistèrent,
consistas, consistâtes
consistency: consistance, cohérence,
conséquence, composition,
aboutissement, répercussion,
fidélité, suite
consistent: cohérent, logique
consists: consiste
constant: constant, continuel,
Common Sense
constante, invariable, perpétuel,
permanent
constantly: constamment,
continuellement, de manière
constante, de façon constante
constitution: constitution
constitutional: constitutionnel
construction: construction,
composition
consultation: consultation
consults: consulte
contain: contenir, contiens,
contenons, contenez, contiennent,
renfermer, renfermons, renfermez,
renferme, renferment, renfermes
contained: contenu, continrent,
contînmes, contins, contint,
contîntes, renfermâmes,
renfermèrent, renfermé, renfermas,
renfermai
contains: contient, renferme
contempt: mépris
contemptible: méprisable
contemptibly: de manière
méprisable, de façon méprisable
contended: contesté, contestés,
contestées, contestée, contestèrent,
Combattu, disputâmes, combattit,
disputèrent, disputé, disputâtes
contending: contestant
contention: contention, conflit,
assertion
contest: concours, contester, disputer
continent: continent
continental: continental
continually: continuellement, de
manière continuelle, de façon
continuelle
continuation: suite, continuation
continue: continuer, continuez,
continuent, continuons, continues,
continue, durer, dure, durent, dures,
durez
continued: continuèrent, continua,
continuâmes, continué, continuai,
continuas, continuâtes, durèrent,
dura, durai, durâmes
continues: continue, dure
continuing: continuant, durant
contract: contrat, contracter
contracted: contracté
contradicted: contredirent, contredis,
contredit, contredîtes, contredîmes
contrary: contraire, opposé,
contradictoire
contribute: contribuer, contribuent,
contribuez, contribuons, contribue,
contribues, cotiser
contributed: contribuâmes,
contribuai, contribua, contribuèrent,
contribué, contribuas, contribuâtes
contribution: contribution, cotisation,
apport
contributions: contributions
controversy: polémique, controverse
convenience: convenance
convenient: commode, convenable,
opportun
conveniently: de manière commode,
de façon commode
convention: congrès, convention
conversion: conversion,
transformation
converts: convertit
conviction: conviction, condamnation
convince: convaincre, convaincs,
convainquent, convainquez,
convainquons
convinced: convaincu, convainquit,
convainquis, convainquirent,
convainquîmes, convainquîtes
convinces: convainc
convoy: convoi
convulsions: convulsions
cool: frais, refroidir, froid
copied: copié
copy: copier, copie, exemplaire,
imiter, reproduire
copying: copie, copier, duplication,
copiant
cord: corde, cordon, câble, cordelette,
fil
cordage: cordage
corn: maïs, cor, blé, grain
corners: accule
cornwall: cornouailles
correct: corriger, rectifier, correct,
juste, exact, redresser
corrupt: corrompu, corrompre
corruption: corruption
cost: coût, coûter, dépense, prix de
revient
countenance: encourager
countries: pays
countryman: paysan
county: comté
courage: courage, abattage
courtesy: courtoisie
courtly: courtois
courts: brigue
cover: couverture, couvrir, recouvrir,
couvercle, revêtir, parcourir,
tapisser, abattre, protéger,
enveloppe, couvert
covering: revêtement, couverture,
couvrure, couvrant, housse,
habillage, recouvrement, saillie
coveting: convoitant
coward: lâche, couard, peureux,
poltron
craft: embarcation, métier, artisanat,
engin
cram: fourrer, gaver
crawls: rampe

create: créer, créent, créons, créez,
crée, crées, composer, écrire
creates: crée
creating: créant, création
creation: création
creators: créateurs
credulous: crédule
cried: pleuré
cries: pleure
criminal: criminel, malfaiteur
crowded: bondé, encombré
crown: couronne, couronner, cime,
sommet, voûte, sacrer
crowned: couronné
cruel: cruel, atroce, méchant
cruelty: cruauté, sévices
crumbling: effritement, froissant,
émiettage, émiettement, émiettant
cry: pleurer, cri, crier, vagir
cures: guérit
curiosity: curiosité
currency: monnaie, devise, unité
monétaire
curse: maudire, blasphémer,
malédiction
custom: coutume, habitude, usage
customs: douane, moeurs
cutting: coupe, coupant, découpage,
bouture, découpe, acéré, mordant
danger: danger, péril
dangerous: dangereux, périlleux,
redoutable
dare: oser, aventurer, ose, osons,
osez, oses, osent, aventurez,
aventures, aventurent, aventure
dared: osé, osa, osai, osèrent, osâtes,
osâmes, osas, aventurèrent,
aventurâtes, aventura, aventuras
daring: audace, audacieux, hardi,
osant, aventurant
dark: foncé, sombre, obscur,
obscurité, noir
darken: foncer, fonçons, foncez,
fonces, fonce, foncent, assombrir,
obscurcir, assombrissent,
assombrissez, assombrissons
date: date, datte, dater, rencontre
dating: datation, datant
daughters: filles
deadly: mortel, meurtrier, de façon
morte, de manière morte
dealing: tractation, transaction,
traiter, négociation
dearly: de manière chère, de façon
chère
debate: débat, discussion, débats,
débattre
debating: débattant
debt: dette, créance, endettement
debts: dettes
decease: décès, décéder
deceased: décédé, défunt
Thomas Paine
deceive: tromper, trompe, trompent,
trompez, trompes, trompons,
tricher, décevoir, triches, trichent,
trichez
deceived: trompé, trompa, trompai,
trompâmes, trompas, trompèrent,
trompâtes, déçu, triché, trichâtes,
trichai
deceiving: trompant, trichant
decency: décence
decent: convenable, décent, honnête
decide: décider, décidons, décidez,
décident, décide, décides
decided: décidé, décidai, décidâmes,
décidèrent, décida, décidas,
décidâtes
decides: décide
declaration: déclaration
declarations: conditions particulières
declared: déclaré, déclara, déclarai,
déclarèrent, déclarâmes, déclaras,
déclarâtes
declaring: déclarant
decline: déclin, décliner, diminuer,
dépérir, baisse, refuser, régression
deep: profond
defeated: vaincu
defect: défaut, anomalie,
imperfection, tare, malfaçon
defective: défectueux, défectif
defence: défense, mémoire en
défense
defend: défendre, défendent,
défends, défendons, défendez
defended: défendu, défendirent,
défendis, défendit, défendîmes,
défendîtes
defenders: défenseurs
defiance: défi
degradation: dégradation
degree: degré, grade, titre, intitulé,
diplôme, rang
delay: retard, délai, retarder, différer,
ajourner, sursis, suspendre,
renvoyer, reculer
delayed: retardé, différé
delaying: dilatoire, surséant
delegated: délégué
delegates: délégués, délègue
deliberate: délibéré, délibérer,
intentionnel
deliberation: délibération
delicacy: friandise, délicatesse,
finesse
delivered: livré, livrâmes, livra,
livrèrent, livrai, livrâtes, livras
deluge: déluge
delusion: illusion
demand: demande, exiger,
demander, abattement, puissance,
revendication, exigence
demands: exige
61
demolished: démoli, démolîmes,
démolirent, démolîtes, démolit,
démolis, abattit, abattîtes, abattis,
abattirent, abattîmes
demonstrated: démontré, démontrai,
démontra, démontrèrent,
démontrâmes, démontras,
démontrâtes, manifestâtes,
manifesté, manifestèrent,
manifestâmes
denmark: Danemark
denominates: dénomme
denomination: dénomination,
coupure, confession, appellation
denounced: dénonçai, dénoncèrent,
dénonça, dénoncé, dénonçâmes,
dénonças, dénonçâtes
depart: partir, partez, partons,
partent, pars, s'en aller
dependance: dépendance
dependant: personne à charge
dependents: charges de famille
depends: dépend
deprive: dépouiller, priver, privent,
dépouillez, privez, prives, privons,
dépouilles, dépouillent, dépouille,
prive
deprived: privé, dépouillas, privâtes,
privas, privâmes, privai, priva,
dépouillèrent, dépouillâtes,
privèrent, dépouillâmes
derive: dériver, dérive, dérivez,
dérivent, dérivons, dérives, provenir
derived: dérivé, dériva, dérivâmes,
dérivai, dérivèrent, dérivas,
dérivâtes
derives: dérive
descendants: descendance
descent: descente, descendance,
origine
describe: décrire, décris, décrivez,
décrivent, décrivons, représenter,
dépeindre
describes: décrit
description: description, signalement
deserted: déserté
deserve: mériter, mérite, méritent,
méritez, méritons, mérites
deserved: mérité, méritâmes,
méritèrent, méritai, mérita, méritas,
méritâtes
deserves: mérite
design: dessin, conception, projet,
dessiner, plan, concevoir, esquisse,
modèle, élaborer, design, dessein
desire: désir, désirer, souhait,
souhaiter, envie
desolate: désolé, sombre, morne
desperate: désespéré
destitute: dépourvu, indigent
destroy: détruire, détruisez,
détruisent, détruisons, détruis,
 62
ravager, démolir, ravages,
ravageons, ravagent, ravage
destroyed: détruit, détruisirent,
détruisis, détruisit, détruisîmes,
détruisîtes, ravageas, ravageâtes,
ravageâmes, ravageai, ravagea
destroying: détruisant, ravageant
destroys: détruit, ravage
destruction: destruction, ravage,
annihilation
determinately: de manière
determinée, de façon determinée
determine: déterminer, déterminons,
déterminez, déterminent, détermine,
détermines, définir, fixer, attacher
determined: déterminé, déterminai,
déterminâmes, déterminèrent,
détermina, déterminas,
déterminâtes, décidé
detest: détester, détestons, détestent,
détestez, déteste, détestes
detestable: détestable
detestation: haine
devil: diable
devotion: dévotion, dévouement
devour: dévorer, dévorent, dévorons,
dévores, dévore, dévorez
dictates: dicte
die: mourir, mourons, meurent,
meurs, mourez, décéder, décède,
décédons, décédez, décèdent,
décèdes
difference: différence, divergence,
différend
differing: différant
differs: diffère
digest: digérer, condensé
dignity: dignité
digression: digression
diminishes: diminue
diminishing: diminuant
diminution: diminution, réduction
direct: direct, diriger, guider, droit,
régler
directed: dirigé
directly: directement, debout, sans
détour, de façon directe, de manière
directe
disable: désactiver, désemparer,
désactivons, désactivez, désactive,
désactives, désactivent
disadvantages: désavantages
disaffection: mécontentement
disapprove: repousser,
désapprouver, repousse, repoussez,
repousses, repoussent, repoussons
disapproves: repousse
discerning: discerner, judicieux,
décernant, discernant
discharge: décharge, congé,
décharger, renvoyer, déchargement,
débit, acquittement, écoulement,
Common Sense
licencier, partir, quitus
discharged: déchargé
discharging: décharge,
déchargement, déchargeant
disciplined: discipliné
discontented: mécontent
discord: discorde, désaccord
discourage: décourager, découragez,
décourageons, découragent,
décourage, décourages
discover: découvrir, découvres,
découvrent, découvrez, découvrons,
découvre, dépouiller, dépouillons,
dépouille, dépouillent, dépouilles
discovered: découvert, découvrîmes,
découvrirent, découvris, découvrit,
découvrîtes, dépouillai,
dépouillèrent, dépouillé,
dépouillâtes, dépouillâmes
discovery: découverte
disdain: dédain
disease: maladie, infirmité, la
maladie
disgrace: disgrâce, honte, déshonorer,
déshonneur, disgracier
disguised: déguisé
dishonorable: déshonorant
dislike: détester, antipathie, déteste,
détestent, détestes, détestez,
détestons, dédaigner
disowns: renie
displeased: mécontent
disposal: disposition, vente
dispose: disposer, disposons,
disposez, disposent, dispose,
disposes
disposed: disposé, disposâmes,
disposèrent, disposai, disposa,
disposâtes, disposas
disposition: disposition, don,
dispositif, aptitude, talent
disputed: disputé
dissolve: dissoudre, dissolvons,
dissolvez, dissolvent, dissous,
résoudre, dissout
distance: distance, éloignement
distant: lointain, loin, distant, éloigné
distinction: distinction
distinguish: distinguer, distinguent,
distinguez, distinguons, distingues,
distingue, dégager, identifier,
dégage, dégagent, dégageons
distinguished: distingué,
distinguâmes, distinguai,
distinguèrent, distingua, distinguas,
distinguâtes, dégageâtes, dégagea,
dégagèrent, dégagé
distracted: distrait
distressed: affligé
district: arrondissement, quartier,
district, région
disturb: déranger, dérange, dérangez,
dérangeons, dérangent, déranges,
gêner, gênons, gênez, gênes, gênent
disturbance: perturbation,
dérangement, trouble, désordre,
émeute
diversity: diversité
divest: dessaisir, dépouiller,
abandonner, dépouillons,
dessaisissons, dessaisissez, dessaisis,
dépouillez, dépouilles,
abandonnent, dessaisissent
divide: diviser, divisent, divisez,
divisons, divises, divise, partager,
partagent, partagez, partageons,
partage
divided: divisé, divisai, divisa,
divisèrent, divisâmes, divisâtes,
divisas, partageâtes, partagèrent,
partagea, partagé
dividing: divisant, partageant,
séparant, débitant, triant
divine: divin
divinity: divinité
doctrine: doctrine
domestic: domestique, intérieur,
aborigène, relatif à la maison,
national
dominion: domination
doors: portes
double: double, doubler, redoubler,
sosie
doubt: doute, douter
doubtful: incertain, douteux
drained: drainé
draw: dessiner, dessinent, dessinez,
dessinons, dessines, dessine, puiser,
tirer, puisent, puisons, puises
drawing: dessin, dessinant, puisant,
étirage, tirage, appâtant, traçant
drawn: dessiné, puisé, tiré, appâté,
tracé
dread: crainte, redouter
dreaded: redouté
dream: rêve, rêver, songe, songer,
rêver éveillé
dress: robe, habiller, vêtir, panser,
s'habiller, revêtir, dresser, apprêter,
habit, habillement, garnir
driven: conduit, poussé, pourchassé,
piloté, actionné
drops: drops
drove: conduisirent, conduisîtes,
poussèrent, poussâtes, poussas,
poussâmes, poussai, poussa,
conduisit, conduisis, conduisîmes
duplicity: duplicité
dust: poussière, épousseter, poudre,
saupoudrer
dutch: néerlandais, hollandais
duties: devoirs, responsabilités
duty: devoir, droit, service,
obligation, taxe

dwelling: habitation, demeurant,
demeure, domicile, logement, logis,
logeant, gîte
eagerly: de manière avide, de façon
avide
ear: oreille, épi
earnest: sérieux
ears: oreilles
earthly: terrestre
ease: aise, soulager, aisance, facilité
easiest: le plus facile
easily: facilement, aisément, de
manière facile, de façon facile
east: est, orient
easy: facile
eaten: mangé
eating: mangeant
edition: édition
effects: effets
effectually: de manière efficace, de
façon efficace
egypt: Egypte, Égypte
eight: huit
eighth: huitième
elected: élu
election: élection, choix
elections: élections
embarked: embarqué, embarquèrent,
embarquâmes, embarquai,
embarqua, embarquâtes, embarquas
embraces: embrasse
emigration: émigration
eminence: éminence
empire: empire
employ: employer, embaucher, user
de, se servir de, appliquer, engager
employed: employé
empowering: autorisant, habilitant
empowers: autorise, habilite
encomium: panégyrique
encounter: rencontre, rencontrer,
rencontrons, rencontrent,
rencontrez, rencontres, abord
encouragement: encouragement
encourages: incite, encourage,
réconforte
endangered: MIS en danger,
compromit, risqué, risquâtes,
risquas, risquâmes, risquai,
compromîtes, compromis,
compromirent, compromîmes
endeavour: peiner, se démener
endured: supporta, enduré,
supportèrent, endura, endurâmes,
endurèrent, supportâmes, supportai,
endurai, supporté, enduras
enemy: ennemi
enforce: réaliser, imposer, mettre en
vigueur, imposent, réalisent,
réalisez, réalisons, réalises,
imposons, imposez, impose
enforced: imposé, forcé, réalisâtes,
Thomas Paine
imposa, réalisé, réalisas, réalisâmes,
réalisai, imposèrent, imposâtes,
imposas
engaged: engagé, engageai, engagea,
engageâmes, engagèrent, engageas,
engageâtes, occupé
engagement: engagement, fiançailles,
enclenchement, accordailles
english: anglais, langue anglaise
engraved: gravé, gravai, gravâtes,
gravèrent, grava, gravas, gravâmes
engrossed: grossoyèrent, grossoyai,
grossoyâmes, grossoyas,
grossoyâtes, grossoyé, grossoya
enjoyed: jouirent, jouîmes, joui,
jouîtes, jouis, jouit
enjoying: jouissant
enlarge: agrandir, agrandissons,
agrandissez, agrandis, agrandissent,
étendre, accroître, augmenter,
amplifier
enlarged: agrandi, agrandirent,
agrandîmes, agrandîtes, agrandis,
agrandit
enriched: enrichi, enrichîmes,
enrichirent, enrichis, enrichit,
enrichîtes
enslaved: asservi, asservîmes,
asservirent, asservit, asservîtes,
asservis
ensues: résulte
ensure: assurer, assure, assurent,
assures, assurez, assurons
entered: entrèrent, entrâmes, entré,
entrai, entra, entras, entrâtes,
introduisîtes, introduit, introduisit,
introduisis
entering: entrant, introduisant
enters: entre, introduit
entirely: entièrement, complètement,
totalement, tout, de manière entière,
de façon entière
entrusted: confié, confiâtes, confias,
confiâmes, confièrent, confiai,
confia, chargeâmes, chargèrent,
chargeas, chargeai
enviable: enviable
equal: égal, égaler
equality: égalité
equally: de même, également,
pareillement, de manière égale, de
façon égale
equals: égale
equivocal: équivoque
era: époque, ère
ere: avant, avant que
erect: fonder, droit, ériger, construire,
édifier, bâtir
erected: érigé
error: erreur, faute, méprise
errors: erreurs
escape: échapper, s'échapper,
63
évasion, échappement, fuite, fuir,
enfuis, enfuir
espouse: épouser, épouse, épousent,
épouses, épousez, épousons
establish: constater, établir, fonder,
constatons, constatez, constatent,
constate, constates, établissez,
établissent, établissons
established: établi, constaté, constata,
constatèrent, constatâmes, constatai,
constatas, constatâtes, établirent,
établîmes, établis
establishes: constate, établit
establishing: constatant, établissant
estate: domaine, propriété, bien,
propriété foncière, fonds,
succession, biens
estimation: estimation
eternal: éternel, perpétuel
europe: Europe
european: européen
europeans: européen
event: événement, occasion, fait,
manifestation
events: événements
evident: évident, manifeste
evil: mal, mauvais
exaggerating: exagérant
exalted: exalté
exalting: exaltant
examine: examiner, examines,
examine, examinent, examinons,
examinez, explorer, fouiller, fouille,
fouillent, fouilles
examined: examinas, examinâtes,
examiné, examinâmes, examina,
examinèrent, examinai, fouillé,
fouilla, fouillai, fouillâmes
examples: exemples
exceeded: dépassé, dépassâtes,
dépassas, dépassai, dépassâmes,
dépassèrent, dépassa, excédas,
excédâtes, excédé, excédèrent
exceedingly: extrêmement, de
manière excédante, de façon
excédante
excel: exceller, excelles, excellez,
excellent, excellons, excelle
excellent: excellent
except: sauf, excepter, hormis,
excepté, exempter, dispenser,
exclure, en outre, à moins que
excite: exciter, excites, excite, excitez,
excitons, excitent, irriter, agacer,
hérisser, hérissons, hérisse
excluded: exclu, exclûtes, exclut,
exclus, exclurent, exclûmes,
exceptèrent, excepta, exceptai,
exceptâmes, exceptas
excludes: exclut, excepte, exempte
exclusion: exclusion
excursions: promenades
 64
execration: exécration
execute: exécuter, exécute, exécutes,
exécutez, exécutons, exécutent,
effectuer, accomplir
execution: exécution
exercise: exercice, exercer, instruire,
levée, pratique
exerted: pratiquai, pratiquâmes,
pratiquas, pratiquâtes, pratiqua,
pratiquèrent, pratiqué
exhibit: exposer, objet exposé,
exhiber, montrer
exist: exister, existes, existe, existons,
existent, existez
existed: existâtes, existas, existai,
existâmes, existé, exista, existèrent
existence: existence
expect: attendre, attendons, attends,
attendez, attendent, espérer
expedience: convenance
expedient: expédient
expeditiously: de manière
expéditive, de façon expéditive
expel: expulser, expulses, expulse,
expulsons, expulsez, expulsent,
renvoyer, repousser
expelled: expulsas, expulsâtes,
expulsé, expulsâmes, expulsèrent,
expulsa, expulsai
expend: dépenser
expended: dépensé, dépensa,
dépensai, dépensâmes, dépensas,
dépensâtes, dépensèrent
expense: dépense, frais
experienced: expérimenté
expires: expire, échoit
expiring: expirant, échéant
explain: expliquer, explique,
expliques, expliquent, expliquons,
expliquez, développer
explained: expliquâtes, expliquas,
expliqua, expliquâmes, expliquai,
expliqué, expliquèrent
explanation: explication
explicit: explicite
expose: exposer, expose, exposes,
exposez, exposent, exposons
exposed: exposé, exposâtes, exposas,
exposâmes, exposa, exposèrent,
exposai, irradié
exposing: exposant
expresses: exprime
expressly: expressément
extended: étendîtes, étendu, étendis,
étendirent, étendîmes, étendit
extending: étendant
extends: étend, s'étend
extension: extension, rallonge,
prolongement, prorogation,
prolongation, suffixe,
agrandissement, allonge,
allongement, poste supplémentaire,
Common Sense
poste
extensive: étendu, extensif, ample,
vaste, large
extent: étendue, ampleur, domaine
external: externe, extérieur
extinct: éteint
extinguished: éteignîtes, éteint,
éteignîmes, éteignit, éteignis,
éteignirent
extinguishes: éteint
extirpated: extirpa, extirpèrent,
extirpâtes, extirpas, extirpai,
extirpâmes, extirpé
extirpating: extirpant
extraordinary: extraordinaire,
prodigieux, formidable, singulier
eye: oeil, oeillet, anneau, trou, chas
facts: faits
failed: échoué, failli, manqué, faillies,
faillie, faillirent
fails: faut
faith: foi
faithfully: de manière fidèle, de
façon fidèle, fidèlement, loyalement
faithless: infidèle
fall: chute, tomber, tombes, tombe,
tombez, tombons, tombent, baisse,
choir, s'abaisser, s'amoindrir
fallacious: trompeur, fallacieux
fallaciously: de manière trompeuse,
de façon trompeuse
fallen: tombé, déchu, abattu, chu
false: faux, perfide, feint
falsity: fausseté
familiar: familier
families: familles
fancy: imaginer, fantaisie, songer,
rêver éveillé, aimer
farcical: bouffon, farcesque
farther: plus loin
fashion: mode, façon
fashionable: à la mode, dernier cri,
moderne, dans le vent, actuel
fatal: fatal, mortel
fate: sort, destinée, fatalité, destin,
destination, fortune
fault: défaut, panne, faute, faille,
erreur
favor: faveur, grâce, service,
complaisance, favoriser
favorable: favorable
favoritism: favoritisme
favors: articles pour fêtes, favorise
favour: faveur, grâce, service,
complaisance, favoriser
fear: peur, crainte, craindre, angoisse,
redouter, appréhension, avoir peur
feared: craint
fearing: craignant
fears: craintes
february: février
feebleness: faiblesse
feed: alimenter, alimente, alimentes,
alimentent, alimentons, alimentez,
nourrir, nourrissons, nourris,
nourrissent, nourrissez
feeling: sentiment, palpant, sentant,
tâtant, ressentant
feelings: sentiments
feet: pieds
fell: tombas, tombâtes, tomba,
tombai, tombèrent, tombâmes,
abattre, chus, chûtes, abattîtes,
abattit
felled: abattu
fellow: individu, homme, camarade,
ensemble, mâle
female: femelle, féminin, femme
fetch: apporter, amener, amène,
amènent, amènes, amenez,
amenons, apporte, apportes,
apportez, apportent
fettered: grevé
few: peu, peu de
fewer: moins
fidelity: fidélité
field: champ, domaine, zone, trame,
terrain, gisement
fields: champs
fifth: cinquième, quinte
fifths: cinquième
fifty: cinquante
fight: combattre, combat, batailler,
lutte, luter, lutter
filled: rempli, fourré
final: finale, final
finally: finalement, enfin, de manière
finale, de façon finale
finds: fonde, trouve
finished: termina, terminâtes,
terminèrent, terminas, terminâmes,
terminai, terminé, finîmes, finîtes,
finit, finis
fire: feu, incendie, tirer, licencier,
renvoyer, le feu, partir, suspendre
fired: traité par pointes de feu
firm: ferme, solide, firme, robuste,
entreprise, stable
fisheries: pêche
fit: adapter, convenir, ajustement,
ajuster, apoplexie, crise, en bonne
santé
fitness: aptitude, justesse
fix: fixer, fixes, fixe, fixent, fixez,
fixons, attacher, réparer, déterminer,
répare, réparent
fixed: fixe, fixâtes, fixas, fixé, fixâmes,
fixèrent, fixa, fixai, réparas, répara,
réparâmes
fixes: fixe, répare, remédie
fixing: fixant, fixation, réparant,
fixage, détermination, dépannage,
remédiant, scellement
flat: plat, appartement, aplati, bémol,

uni, mat
flatters: flatte, adule, amadoue
fled: fuîtes, fuit, fuis, fuirent, fuîmes,
fui, échappâtes, échappé, échappas,
échappâmes, échappai
fleet: flotte, parc, tessure
flourished: prospéra, prospérèrent,
prospéré, prospérâtes, prospéras,
prospérâmes, prospérai
flourishes: prospère
fly: mouche, voler, volez, voles,
volent, vole, volons, volant
follies: folies
followed: suivîtes, suivi, suivîmes,
suivit, suivis, suivirent
follows: suit
folly: folie, sottise
fool: imbécile, sot, mystifier, idiot,
duper, fou
foolish: sot, idiot, stupide,
abracadabrant, insensé
foot: pied, patte, bordure, le pied
footing: pied, semelle
forbid: interdire, interdis, interdisez,
interdisent, interdisons, défendre,
prohiber
forbids: interdit
force: force, contraindre, obliger,
imposer, forcer, violer, puissance,
contrainte, faire accepter
forced: forcé
foreign: étranger, extérieur
forfeited: perdu, forfaite, forfaites,
forfaits
forget: oublier, oublies, oublie,
oublient, oublions, oubliez
forgetfulness: oubli
forgets: oublie
forgive: pardonner, pardonnes,
pardonne, pardonnez, pardonnons,
pardonnent, excuser, excusez,
excusent, excuse, excusons
formal: formel, officiel
formed: formé
former: ancien, précédent
formidable: formidable,
extraordinaire, prodigieux,
singulier, redoutable
forming: formation, formage,
profilage, formant
forms: formulaires
forsaken: abandonné, délaissé
forth: en avant
fortunate: heureux, chanceux
fortune: fortune, sort, destinée, destin
forty: quarante
forward: en avant, avancer, avant
forwarder: transitaire, porteur
fought: combattu, combattit,
combattis
foundation: fondation, base,
fondement, fond, assise
Thomas Paine
founded: fondé
fourteen: quatorze
fourth: quatrième, quart, quarte
fracture: fracture, cassure, rupture,
fracturer
frame: cadre, trame, châssis, image,
encadrer, carcasse, charpente,
membrure, couple, bâti, cadrer
france: France, la France
freedom: liberté
french: langue française
frenchman: français
frequent: fréquent, fréquenter
frequently: fréquemment, souvent,
beaucoup, de manière fréquente, de
façon fréquente
friend: ami, amie, copain, copine,
camarade
friends: amis
friendship: amitié, camaraderie
frightened: effrayé, effrayâtes,
effrayas, effrayâmes, effrayèrent,
effrayai, effraya, redouté, redouta,
redoutai, redoutâmes
fugitive: fugitif
fully: entièrement, complètement, de
façon pleine, de manière pleine,
pleinement
furnish: fournir, meubler, fournis,
fournissons, fournissent, fournissez,
meublent, meublez, meublons,
meuble, meubles
furnishing: fournissant, meublant,
ameublement
fury: fureur, furie
future: avenir, futur
gain: gain, gagner, bénéfice, profit,
acquisition, avantage, remporter,
gain de transmission
gained: gagné
game: jeu, gibier, partie, match
gang: bande, compagnie, clique,
mariage
generally: généralement, en général,
ordinairement, de façon générale, de
manière générale
generalship: prudence, précaution
generation: génération, production
generations: générations
generosity: générosité, largesse
generously: de manière généreuse,
de façon généreuse
germany: Allemagne
gideon: Gédéon
gift: cadeau, don
giver: donateur
givers: donateurs
gives: donne, offre, aboule
giving: donnant, offrant, aboulant
glad: joyeux, content, heureux
globe: globe, chape de trolley
glorious: glorieux, fameux
65
glory: gloire, renommée, réputation
god: dieu
gods: poulailler
goes: va
gold: or
gone: allé, parti, allés
goods: biens, articles, marchandises,
marchandise
govern: gouverner, gouvernes,
gouverne, gouvernons, gouvernez,
gouvernent, régner, régnez,
régnons, règnes, règnent
governed: gouvernâtes, gouvernas,
gouverné, gouvernèrent, gouvernai,
gouvernâmes, gouverna, régnâmes,
régna, régnèrent, régné
governing: gouvernant, régnant
graciously: de manière gracieuse, de
façon gracieuse
grand: grandiose, magnifique
granted: accordé, alloua, allouées,
allouai, allouèrent, allouée
granting: octroi, allouant
gratitude: gratitude, reconnaissance,
remerciement
gravitating: gravitant
greatly: de façon grande, de manière
grande
grievance: grief, réclamation
grievously: de manière douloureuse,
de façon douloureuse
ground: sol, terre, terrain, fond,
masse, échouer, motif
grounds: terrain
grow: croître, grandir, cultiver,
grandis, grandissent, grandissez,
grandissons, croissent, croîs,
croissez, croissons
grown: crû, grandi
growth: croissance, accroissement,
développement, évolution,
expansion
guard: garde, protéger, garder,
gardien, contrôleur, préserver,
protecteur, dispositif de protection,
arrière, chef de train, protection
guardian: tuteur, gardien, curateur
guardians: gardiens
guardianship: curatelle, tutelle, garde
guide: guide, guider, diriger,
conduire, mener, aboutir, régler,
guidage
guilt: culpabilité
gunpowder: poudre à canon, poudre
habit: habitude, coutume, usage, port
habitable: habitable
habits: mode de vie, habitudes
habitually: de manière habituelle, de
façon habituelle, habituellement
hands: mains
hanover: Hanovre
happen: arriver, arrive, arrivons,
 66
arrivez, arrivent, arrives, advenir,
avoir lieu, devenir, adviennent, se
passer
happened: arrivâmes, arrivèrent,
arrivas, arrivai, arriva, arrivâtes,
arrivé, advint, advinrent, advenu
happening: arrivant, advenant,
événement, impromptu, survenance
happens: arrive, advient
happily: heureusement, de manière
heureuse, de façon heureuse
happiness: bonheur, félicité
happy: heureux, joyeux, content
hardened: durci, durcîtes, durcit,
durcis, durcirent, durcîmes,
trempâmes, trempai, trempas,
trempâtes, trempèrent
hardy: courageux, robuste
harmony: harmonie
harsh: vulgaire, rude, dur, acerbe,
grossier, maussade, rustique, âpre,
astringent
harvest: récolte, récolter, moisson,
recueillir, vendange
hate: haïr, haine, détester
hates: hait
hatred: haine
haunted: hanté
havoc: ravage
heads: têtes
hear: entendre, entendent, entends,
entendez, entendons, ouïr, écouter,
oient, ois, oyez, oyons
heard: entendîmes, entendîtes,
entendu, entendit, entendirent,
entendis, ouï, ouïs
hearken: écoutes, écoutez, écoute,
écoutent, écoutons, écouter
heart: coeur, le coeur
hearts: coeurs
hearty: cordial, chaleureux
heaven: ciel, paradis
heightened: aggravâtes, aggravèrent,
aggravé, aggravas, aggravâmes,
aggrava, aggravai, rehaussas,
rehaussâtes, rehaussé, rehaussèrent
held: tenu
hellish: infernal, diabolique
hemp: chanvre
hence: par conséquent, donc, d'où,
c'est pourquoi
herd: troupeau, bande, troupe,
collection, harde, ensemble, are
hereafter: désormais, dorénavant,
après l'entrée en vigueur de la
présente loi, après
hereditary: héréditaire
herself: même, se
hesitate: hésiter, hésite, hésites,
hésitent, hésitez, hésitons,
barguigner, barguigne, barguignent,
barguignes, barguignez
Common Sense
hesitating: hésitant, barguignant
highest: le plus haut
highly: de façon haute, de manière
haute, fortement, hautement,
extrêmement
hints: allusions
hiring: louant, embauchant,
embauche
history: histoire, anamnèse,
antécédents, historique
hither: ici
hold: tenir, prise, maintien, cale,
contenir, blocage, pause, tenue,
retenir
holes: trous
homage: hommage
honest: honnête, intègre, sincère,
loyal
honesty: honnêteté
honor: honneur, honorer
honorable: honorable
honors: honore
honour: honneur, honorer
hope: espoir, espérer, espère,
espèrent, espères, espérez, espérons,
espérance, souhaiter, souhaitons,
souhaitez
hoping: espérant, souhaitant
horror: horreur, dégoût, aversion,
répulsion, abomination, atrocité
host: hôte, amphitryon, aubergiste,
hostie, foule
hostilities: hostilités
hourly: horaire
houses: maisons
human: humain
humble: humble, modeste
humility: humilité, modestie
hundred: cent, centaine
hunger: faim
hunted: chassa, chassai, chassâmes,
chassas, chassâtes, chassèrent,
chassé
hunts: chasse
hurt: blesser
hurtful: nuisible
husband: mari, époux
hypocritical: hypocrite
idle: inactif, fainéant, ralenti, au
repos, inoccupé, paresseux,
fainéanter
idolatrous: idolâtre
idolatry: idolâtrie
ignorant: ignorant
ill: malade, malsain, mal
image: image, figure
immediate: immédiat
immediately: immédiatement, tout
de suite, directement, aussitôt, sitôt,
d'abord, tout d'abord, de manière
immédiate, de façon immédiate
imperfect: imparfait
impious: impie
impiously: de manière impie, de
façon impie
implanted: implantas, implantâtes,
implanté, implanta, implantèrent,
implantâmes, implantai
import: importation, importer
importance: importance
imported: importé
imposed: imposas, imposâtes,
imposé, imposèrent, imposâmes,
imposa, imposai, contraignîmes,
contraignîtes, contraignit,
contraignis
imposition: imposition
impossible: impossible
impoverish: appauvrir, appauvris,
appauvrissez, appauvrissons,
appauvrissent
impregnable: imprenable
impressing: impression,
impressionner
improper: inexact, incorrect
improve: améliorer, améliores,
améliore, améliorent, améliorez,
améliorons, amender, amendez,
amendons, amendes, amendent
improved: amélioras, améliorâtes,
amélioré, améliorâmes,
améliorèrent, améliora, améliorai,
amendèrent, amendai, amendas,
amendâmes
improving: améliorant, amendant,
réformant
impulses: impulsions
inability: incapacité, impuissance
inattention: inattention
incapable: incapable, inapte,
incompétent
inclination: inclinaison, inclination
inclined: incliné, enclin
included: inclus, inclut, inclûtes,
contîntes, contint, contins,
continrent, contînmes, contenu,
inclûmes, inclurent
includes: contient, inclut, comporte
incompatible: incompatible,
inconciliable
incomprehensible: incompréhensible
inconvenience: dérangement,
inconvénient, gêne
inconvenient: difficile, dur, pénible,
inopportun, incommode, gênant
increase: augmenter, accroissement,
augmentation, accroître, agrandir,
grossir, redoubler, s'accroître,
croissance, amplifier, hausse
increased: augmenté
increases: augmente
increasing: croissant, augmentant,
augmenter
indeed: vraiment, certes, en vérité,

réellement, si, d'abord, en réalité, en
effet, en fait, effectivement, voire
independant: indépendant
independantly: de manière
indépendante, de façon
indépendante
independency: indépendance
independent: indépendant
indian: indien, indienne, amérindien
indies: Indes
individual: individu, individuel,
particulier
individuals: individus
induced: induit, induisîmes,
induisîtes, induisit, induisis,
induisirent
inducement: incitation, lieu, occasion
ineffectual: inefficace
ineffectually: de manière inefficace,
de façon inefficace
infancy: petite enfance, enfance,
minorité
infant: enfant, nourrisson, enfant en
bas âge, poupon
infinitely: infiniment, de manière
infinie, de façon infinie
infirmity: infirmité
inflaming: enflammant
influence: influence, influer,
influencer, empire, influent
inform: informer, informes,
informons, informez, informe,
informent, renseigner, renseigne,
renseignes, renseignez, renseignons
informs: informe, renseigne
inglorious: déshonorant
ingratitude: ingratitude
inhabitant: habitant
inhabitants: habitants
inherent: inhérent, intrinsèque
inherit: hériter, hérite, hérites,
héritez, héritons, héritent
injudicious: peu judicieux
injuries: blessures
injustice: injustice
inland: intérieur
innocence: innocence, naïveté
innovation: innovation
inquire: enquérir, demander, nous
enquérons, vous enquérez,
s'enquièrent, m'enquiers, enquérez-
vous, t'enquiers, se renseigner
inquiring: s'enquérant, interrogateur
inquiry: enquête, demande de
renseignements, investigation,
interrogation
insensible: insensible
insignificance: insignifiance
insolence: insolence, effronterie
insolent: insolent, effronté
instance: exemple, instance
instances: exemples
Thomas Paine
instant: instant, moment
instantly: directement, aussitôt,
d'abord, tout d'abord, à l'instant, de
manière instante, de façon instante
instead: plutôt
instruct: instruire, instruisent,
instruisons, instruis, instruisez,
donner des instructions, enseigner
instructions: instructions
instruments: appareillage
insult: insulte, insulter, offenser,
injure, affront, injurier
insults: agonit
intended: visèrent, visâtes, visas,
visâmes, visai, visa, visé, destiné,
projetas, projetâtes, projetâmes
intention: intention, dessein, propos
interchange: échange, échanger,
échangeur
intercourse: rapports sexuels,
relations, rapport sexuel
interested: intéressé
interesting: intéressant, curieux,
singulier
interests: intéresse, intérêts, champs
d'intérêt
interfere: interférer, interfère,
interfèrent, interfères, interférez,
interférons, intervenir
interferes: interfère
interim: intérim, intérimaire
intermediate: intermédiaire
internal: interne, intérieur
internally: de manière interne, de
façon interne, intérieurement
interposed: interposa, interposai,
interposèrent, interposé,
interposâtes, interposas,
intercalèrent, intercalâtes, intercalas,
intercalâmes, intercalai
interposition: interposition
interval: intervalle
intimacy: intimité
intolerable: intolérable
intricate: complexe, compliqué
intriguing: intriguer, intriguant
introduce: introduire, présenter,
présentons, présentez, présentes,
présentent, introduis, présente,
introduisez, introduisent,
introduisons
introduced: introduisîtes,
présentèrent, présentâtes, présentas,
présentâmes, présentai, présenta,
introduit, présenté, introduisit,
introduisis
introduction: introduction,
présentation
invaders: envahisseurs
invades: envahit
invasion: invasion
invented: inventas, inventâtes,
67
inventèrent, inventa, inventâmes,
inventai, inventé
invention: invention
inveterate: invétéré
inviolate: inviolé
inviting: invitant
involuntary: involontaire
involve: impliquer
involved: impliqué
iron: fer, fer à repasser, repasser
irresistibly: de manière irrésistible,
de façon irrésistible, irrésistiblement
island: île, îlot
israel: Israël
jealous: jaloux
jewish: juif, hébreu, hébraïque, juive
joined: joignîtes, joignîmes,
joignirent, joignis, joignit, joint,
reliâtes, relias, reliâmes, reliai,
relièrent
joy: joie, allégresse
judge: juge, juger
judged: jugé
judgment: arrêt, jugement
juncture: jointure
jurisdiction: juridiction, ressort,
compétence
justice: justice, équité
justified: justifié, justifiâtes, justifias,
justifièrent, justifiâmes, justifiai,
justifia
justifies: justifie
justify: justifier, justifies, justifie,
justifiez, justifions, justifient
keeping: gardant, élevant,
remplissant
kept: gardâtes, gardas, gardé,
gardèrent, garda, gardâmes, gardai,
élevai, élevèrent, élevé, élevâtes
key: clé, touche, clef, clavette, code,
touche de clavier
kindness: amabilité, bonté,
gentillesse, aménité
kindred: parenté
king: roi, dame
kingdom: royaume
kingdoms: royaumes
knowing: connaissant
knowledge: connaissance, savoir
knows: connaît, sait
l: l
laid: posèrent, posai, posa, posâmes,
posas, posâtes, posé, vergé, pondu,
pondit, pondis
lament: lamentation, lamenter, se
lamenter, complainte
land: terre, atterrir, aborder, pays,
contrée, terrain, s'abattre
landing: atterrissage, palier,
débarquement, alunissage,
réception, premier dépôt transitoire
lands: cloison, atterrit
 68
lapse: déchéance, défaillance,
retomber
larger: plus grand
lasting: permanent, continuel,
perpétuel, durable
late: tard, tardif, en retard
lately: dernièrement, de manière
tarde, de façon tardive, récemment
latter: dernier
lawgiver: législateur
laws: lois
lay: poser, posez, poses, posent,
posons, laïque, pose, coucher,
pondre, commettage, pondent
laying: pose, posant, ponte, couchant,
pondant, levée
leader: guide, animateur, leader,
conseiller, chef, commandant,
dirigeant, amorce, meneur
leading: conduisant, menant,
guidant, aboutissant, plombage,
laissant, principal
leads: conduit, mène, guide, about it,
laisse, pattes
learn: apprendre, apprenons,
apprenez, apprends, apprennent
lease: bail, affermer, location, prendre
à bail, louer, contrat de location,
concession, bailler, encroix
least: moindre, le moins
leave: partir, partent, partons, pars,
partez, abandonner, laisser,
permission, quitter, congé, délaisser
leaves: part, feuilles
leaving: partant, départ, partir
led: menâmes, conduisîtes, conduisit,
conduisis, conduit, conduisirent,
conduisîmes, menèrent, menas,
menâtes, mena
legal: légal, légitime, juridique
legally: de manière légale, de façon
légale, légalement
legislation: législation
legislative: législatif
legislators: législateurs
lessen: diminuer, diminuez,
diminuons, diminues, diminue,
diminuent, amoindrir,
amoindrissez, amoindris,
amoindrissent, amoindrissons
lessening: diminuant, amoindrissant
lest: de peur que
letter: lettre
liable: responsable
libel: libelle, diffamation, calomnie
écrite
liberal: libéral
liberties: libertés
liberty: liberté
lie: mentir, mensonge, être couché,
gésir
lies: git, ment
Common Sense
lightly: légèrement, de manière légre, manifest: manifeste, manifester,
de façon légre évident
likewise: de même, aussi, manifested: manifesté
pareillement, également manifesto: manifeste
limited: limité, borné mankind: humanité
limits: limites manly: viril
lion: lion manner: manière, façon
list: liste, énumérer, lister, inventaire, manners: moeurs
répertoire manning: effectifs
live: vivre, vivez, vivent, vivons, vis, manufactory: manufacture
habiter, demeurer, habite, habitent, marched: marché
habites, habitons maritime: marin, maritime
lived: vécut, vécurent, vécûmes, marked: marqué
vécus, vécu, habita, habitai, marquis: marquis
habitâmes, habitas, habitâtes, martial: martial
habitèrent mask: masque, masquer, cache
lives: vit, habite, loge massacre: massacrer, massacre
living: vivant, habitant, logeant, en masts: mâts
vie, bénéfice match: allumette, apparier, match,
lock: écluse, serrure, verrou, fermer, s'entremettre, assortir, égal, partie,
verrouiller, fermer à clé, écluse à sas rencontre
locks: abats material: matériau, matériel, étoffe,
loose: détaché, lâche tissu, matière
loosely: de manière détachée, de materially: matériellement
façon détachée materials: matières, matériels,
lord: seigneur, monsieur matériaux
lose: perdre, perds, perdez, perdent, matter: matière, substance, affaire,
perdons cas, chose, question
loss: perte, préjudice, déperdition, maturity: maturité, échéance
affaiblissement, sinistre, déchet, maxim: maxime, sentence
atténuation meaning: signification, sens,
losses: pertes intention, importance, dessein,
lost: perdîtes, perdîmes, perdirent, propos
perdit, perdis, perdu, perdus, non meanly: de manière moyenne, de
vu façon moyenne, chichement
lot: lot, sort meant: signifié
loudly: fort, à haute voix, de manière measure: mesure, mesurer, taille,
forte, de façon forte, bruyamment jauger
lover: amant, amoureux, maîtresse, measures: mesures
amante meat: viande, chair
lovers: amants mediation: médiation, intermédiaire,
low: bas, dépression, abject, basse, entremise
lâche mediators: médiateurs
lucifer: Satan medicine: médicament, médecine,
luxury: luxe, richesse remède
machine: machine, usiner mediterranean: Méditerranée,
madness: folie, aliénation, aberration, méditerranéen
affolement meet: rencontrer, rencontrez,
maid: femme de chambre, servante, rencontrons, rencontres,
domestique, bonne rencontrent, rencontre, réunir, se
majesty: majesté, seigneurie réunir
majority: majorité, plupart meeting: réunion, rencontrant,
makes: fait, rend séance, rencontre, croisement,
male: mâle, masculin assemblée, réunion sportive
malice: malice, méchanceté, memento: souvenir
malveillance memorable: mémorable
managed: administra, administrèrent, memorial: mémorial
administré, administrâtes, mention: mentionner, citer
administras, administrai, mentioned: mentionné
administrâmes, géra, dirigea, mercantile: mercantile
gérèrent, gérâtes mercy: pitié, compassion, miséricorde
manhood: virilité mere: pur, seul, simple

merely: de manière pure, de façon
pure, simplement
merit: mérite, mériter, gloire
met: rencontrai, rencontrâmes,
rencontras, rencontrâtes,
rencontrèrent, rencontra, rencontré
method: méthode, modalité
methods: méthodes
midst: milieu, millieux
military: militaire
milk: lait, traire
ministry: ministère
minor: mineur
minors: mineurs
miscellaneous: divers
misconduct: mauvaise conduite,
inconduite, incorrection, mauvaise
administration
miseries: misères
misery: misère, tristesse
misfortune: malheur, infortune,
malchance
mistake: erreur, faute, méprise, se
tromper
mistakes: fautes, trompe, erreurs
mistress: maîtresse
mix: mélanger, mêler, mélange,
mixer, gâcher, malaxer, retourner,
allier
mixture: mélange, mixture
mob: foule
mode: mode, manière
moderate: modéré, raisonnable,
ralentir, abordable, modérer, retenir
moderation: modération
modestly: modestement, de manière
modeste, de façon modeste
monarchical: monarchique
monarchs: monarques
monarchy: monarchie
monster: monstre, clébard
moral: moral, morale
morals: morale, moeurs
mortal: mortel
mosaic: mosaïque, mosaïque
d'images
mostly: plupart, surtout
motion: mouvement, motion,
résolution, marche, requête
motive: motif, lieu, occasion, mobile,
motivation
motives: motifs
mounted: monté, montées
mouth: bouche, embouchure, bec,
gueule, ouverture, goulot, entrée
moving: émouvant, attendrissant,
déménagement, en mouvement,
mobile
multitude: multitude, amas, foule,
tas, masse
murderer: meurtrier, assassin
murderers: meurtriers
Thomas Paine
murders: assassine
musket: mousquet
mutually: mutuellement,
réciproquement, de manière
réciproque, de façon réciproque, se
myself: me
naked: nu, dénudé
namely: à savoir
names: noms
narrow: étroit
narrowness: étroitesse
nation: nation, peuple
native: autochtone, naturel, natif,
aborigène, inné, indigène, natal
natural: naturel
naturally: naturellement, bien sûr, de
façon naturelle, de manière naturelle
nature: nature, caractère
naval: naval
navy: marine, marine nationale,
marine de guerre, marine militaire
nay: non
near: près, proche, près de, auprès,
prochaine, à
nearest: plus proche
nearly: presque, quasiment, à peu
près, de manière près, de façon près
necessaries: articles d'usage
necessary: nécessaire
necessity: nécessité, besoin
needful: nécessaire
needless: inutile
needs: besoins, nécessite
negative: négatif, père, réfuter
negatively: de manière négative,
négativement, de façon négative
neglect: négliger, négligence,
dédaigner, coups partis avec
éléments erronés, négligent
neglected: négligé
negotiate: négocier, négocie,
négocies, négocions, négocient,
négociez
neighbour: voisin, semblable
neighbourhood: voisinage, quartier
neither: ni, personne, non plus, nul
neutrality: neutralité
nevertheless: néanmoins, pourtant,
cependant, tout de même, toutefois,
quand même
newly: de façon nouvelle, de manière
nouveau, récemment
news: nouvelles, actualités,
informations, nouvelle
nice: agréable, bon, aimable, gentil,
joli, succulent, savoureux
noah: Noé
noble: noble, élevé
nod: signe de tête
none: aucun, personne, nul
nor: ni
notice: avis, remarquer, apercevoir,
69
discerner, préavis, remarque,
écriteau, observation, notification,
percevoir, placard
noting: notant
notion: notion, idée
notwithstanding: malgré,
nonobstant, néanmoins
numbers: numérote
numerous: nombreux
oak: chêne
obedience: obéissance, soumission
obey: obéir, obéissez, obéissons,
obéissent, obéis
obeyed: obéis, obéit, obéîtes,
obéirent, obéi, obéîmes
object: objet, chose
objects: objets
obligation: obligation, engagement
obligations: engagements
obliged: obligeâtes, obligeas, obligea,
obligeâmes, obligèrent, obligeai,
obligé
oblivion: oubli
observation: observation, remarque,
réflexion
observe: observer, observes, observe,
observez, observons, observent,
respecter, respectons, respectez,
respectes, respectent
observer: observateur
observing: observant, respectant,
remplissant
obstinacy: obstination, entêtement
obstinate: obstiné, têtu, tenace, entêté
obtain: obtenir, obtiennent, obtiens,
obtenons, obtenez, acquérir,
procurer
obtained: obtins, obtint, obtîntes,
obtînmes, obtinrent, obtenu
occasion: occasion, lieu, fois
occasional: occasionnel
occupied: occupas, occupâtes,
occupâmes, occupa, occupai,
occupèrent, occupé
offence: délit, infraction, offense,
agacement
offensively: de manière offensante,
de façon offensante
offer: offre, offrir, proposition,
proposer, présenter, sacrifier,
consacrer, faire offrande
offered: offert
offering: offrande
officer: officier, fonctionnaire
officers: dirigeants, officiers
officially: officiellement, de manière
fonctionnaire, de façon
fonctionnaire
older: âgé
olive: olive, olivâtre
omit: omettre, omettons, omettent,
omettez, omets
 70
omitting: omettant
ones: ceux
opening: ouverture, ouvrant, orifice,
début, déclenchement
opens: ouvre
opinion: avis, opinion, vœu
opinions: avis
opportunity: occasion, opportunité
oppose: opposer, oppose, opposes,
opposent, opposons, opposez, se
mettre en travers, rouspéter,
rouspètent, rouspétons, rouspète
opposed: opposé, opposas,
opposâtes, opposa, opposâmes,
opposai, opposèrent, rouspétâtes,
rouspété, rouspétas, rouspétâmes
opposing: opposant, rouspétant
oppressed: opprimé, opprimâtes,
opprimas, serré, serrâtes, serras,
serrâmes, serrai, opprimèrent,
serrèrent, opprimai
oppression: abus d'autorité,
oppression
oppressive: étouffant, accablant,
oppressif
opulence: opulence
orderly: ordonné, méthodique
orders: commandes
origin: origine, provenance, source
original: original, inédit, originel
originally: de manière originale, de
façon originale
origins: origines
otherwise: sinon, autrement
ought: devoir, doit, dois, devez,
devons, doivent
ours: nôtre
ourselves: nous
outcry: tollé
overbearing: impérieux
overrun: dépassement, surcharge,
dépassement de capacité,
foisonnement, envahir
overturn: renverser, chavirer,
basculer, faire chavirer,
renversement
owing: devant, dû
page: page, paginer
paid: payâtes, payas, payèrent, paya,
payai, payâmes, payé
painful: douloureux, pénible
pains: douleurs
palace: palais
palaces: palais
paltry: misérable
pamphlet: brochure, pamphlet
paper: papier, document, tapisser,
article, journal
papers: papiers
paradise: paradis
paradox: paradoxe
parallel: parallèle
Common Sense
parallels: cales d'épaisseur
pardon: pardon, pardonner, excuser,
grâce
parent: parent
parents: parents, père et mère
parishes: paroisses
parity: parité
parliament: parlement
partake: prends, prenez, prennent,
prenons, prendre
partial: partiel
partiality: partialité
partly: en partie, partiellement
parts: parties
pass: passer, passe, col, dépasser,
doubler, donner, passage,
permission, abonnement, passez,
s'écouler
passed: passé
passions: passions
passive: passif, passive
patched: rapiécé
patchwork: patchwork
patience: patience
patriotism: patriotisme
patron: protecteur, mécène, client
paying: payant
pays: paie, paye
peace: paix, tranquillité
peaceable: paisible, pacifique
peculiar: étrange, singulier, drôle,
particulier
pecuniary: pécuniaire, financier
penalty: pénalité, amende, penalty,
pénalisation, punition
penny: sou
peopling: peuplement
per: par, dans, à, afin de, à raison de,
au milieu de, parmi, pour, en
perceive: apercevoir, apercevons,
apercevez, aperçoivent, aperçois,
percevoir, discerner, percevez,
perçoivent, percevons, perçois
perfect: parfait, achevé, accompli
perfectly: parfaitement, de façon
parfaite, de manière parfaite
performance: performance,
exécution, représentation,
comportement, accomplissement,
qualités de fonctionnement,
prestation, fonctionnement
performances: exécutions
perish: périr, périssons, périssez,
périssent, péris, s'abîmer
permitted: permis
perpetual: perpétuel
perpetually: perpétuellement, de
manière perpétuelle, de façon
perpétuelle
perplexed: embarrassa, embarrassai,
embarrassâmes, embarrassas,
embarrassâtes, embarrassèrent,
perplexe, embarrassé
persecuted: poursuivîtes, poursuivit,
poursuivis, poursuivirent,
poursuivîmes, poursuivi,
persécutas, persécutâtes,
persécutâmes, persécutai, persécuta
personal: personnel, propre
persons: personnes
persuaded: persuadas, persuadâtes,
persuadai, persuadâmes, persuada,
persuadèrent, persuadé
petition: pétition, supplique, requête
pharaoh: pharaon
philadelphia: Philadelphie
phrase: locution, phrase, phraser,
groupe de mots
physician: médecin, docteur, docteur
médecin
piece: pièce, morceau, fragment, pan,
part, contingent, partie
pierced: perçâmes, perçai, perçâtes,
perça, percèrent, percé, perças
piety: piété
pin: épingle, broche, goupille, axe,
aiguille, épingler, pin, goujon
pirate: pirate
pitch: tangage, hauteur tonale, pas,
tonie, poix, écartement, inclinaison,
espacement, ton, longueur, brai
pitched: abattu
pitifully: de manière pitoyable, de
façon pitoyable
placed: placé
plain: plaine, clair, uni, ordinaire, net,
limpide, évident
plan: plan, projet, dessein, projeter,
planifier, intention, organiser,
propos, esquisser
planet: planète
plank: planche, panneau
planning: planification,
planigramme, aménagement
planted: planté
plausible: vraisemblable
play: jouer, joues, jouez, jouent,
jouons, joue, jeu, pièce de théâtre,
pièce, représenter, jouer de
plea: argument, plaider
pleads: plaide
pleasant: agréable, plaisant,
charmant, sympathique
pleasantly: agréablement, de manière
agréable, de façon agréable
please: plaire, s'il vous plaît,
contenter, s'il vous plait, faire
plaisir, s'il te plaît, satisfaire
pleased: content, satisfait, plu
pleases: plaît, plait
pleasure: plaisir, jouissance
plunder: piller, ravir, pillage
plundered: pillé
poisoned: empoisonné

politician: politicien, homme
politique
politics: politique
pomp: pompe, splendeur
pompous: pompeux
pompously: de manière pompeuse,
de façon pompeuse
poor: pauvre, mauvais, misérable,
maigre, méchant, malheureux, mal,
faible, médiocre
popery: papisme
popish: papiste
popular: populaire
population: population, peuplement
populous: populeux
pores: pores
port: port, bâbord, accès, porte,
lumière, orifice, porto
portion: partie, portion, part
portuguese: portugais, langue
portugaise
positive: positif
positively: de façon positive, de
manière positive
possess: posséder, possède, possèdes,
possédons, possèdent, possédez
possessed: possédas, possédâtes,
possédâmes, possédai, posséda,
possédèrent, possédé
possession: possession
possibility: possibilité
posterity: postérité
postscript: post scriptum,
postambule, langage PostScript
pounds: livres
powerful: puissant
powers: pouvoirs
practicable: praticable
pray: prier, prie, pries, prions, priez,
prient
prayed: prias, priâtes, priâmes, prié,
pria, prièrent, priai
prayers: prières
precariousness: précarité
preceded: précédas, précédâtes,
précédâmes, précédai, précéda,
précédèrent, précédé, avancé,
avançâtes, avanças, avançâmes
precedent: précédent
precious: précieux, rare
preface: introduction, préface,
préfacer
preferable: préférable
preference: préférence
prejudice: préjugé, préjudice
prejudiced: préjugé, plein de
préjugés, prévenu
preliminaries: pages liminaires,
préliminaires
premiums: primes
prepare: préparer, prépare, prépares,
préparent, préparons, préparez,
Thomas Paine
apprêter, apprête, apprêtes,
apprêtez, apprêtons
prepared: préparâtes, prépara,
préparai, préparas, préparèrent,
préparâmes, préparé, apprêtas,
apprêtâtes, apprêté, apprêtâmes
prerogative: prérogative
present: cadeau, présent, présenter,
actuel, offrir, don
presenting: présentant
preserve: conserver, confire,
préserver, maintenir, confiture,
conserve, mettre en conserve,
retenir, réserve
preserved: conservé
preserves: conserves, conserve
president: président, speaker
presume: présumer, présume,
présumes, présumez, présumons,
présument, supposer
presumed: présumas, présumâtes,
présumèrent, présuma,
présumâmes, présumai, présumé
presumption: présomption,
supposition
presupposes: présuppose
pretence: prétexte, simulacre
pretended: feignîtes, feignirent,
feignis, feignîmes, feignit, feint,
prétexta, prétextai, prétextâmes,
prétextas, prétextâtes
pretty: joli, mignon, aimable, bath,
assez
previous: précédent, antérieur,
préalable
prey: proie
price: prix, cours
pride: fierté, orgueil
primary: primaire, principal
prince: prince
principal: commettant, principal,
mandant, directeur, donneur
d'ordre, dominant, capital
principle: principe
principles: principes
printers: imprimantes
prior: précédent, antérieur
prison: prison
prisoner: prisonnier, détenu
prisoners: prisonniers
private: privé
privateer: corsaire
privately: de manière privée, de
façon privée
privilege: privilège, privilégier
privileges: privilèges
probable: probable, vraisemblable
probation: probation
proceed: procéder, procèdes,
procède, procèdent, procédez,
procédons, avancer, avancent,
avances, avancez, avançons
71
proceeded: procédas, procédâtes,
procédâmes, procédèrent, procédai,
procéda, procédé, avançâtes, avancé,
avançâmes, avançai
proceeding: procédant, avançant
proceedings: débats, actes, procédure
proclaiming: proclamant
procure: procurer, procure, procures,
procurons, procurez, procurent, se
procurer
procured: procuras, procurâtes,
procurèrent, procurâmes, procuré,
procurai, procura
produce: produire, produisez,
produisons, produisent, produis,
réaliser, produit, fabriquer
produced: produisîmes, produisîtes,
produisirent, produisis, produisit,
produit
producing: produisant
production: production, fabrication,
réalisation, mise en scène
profess: confesser, avouer, confessez,
confessons, confesse, confesses,
confessent, professer, professons,
professe, professent
professed: confessèrent, confessé,
confessâtes, confessas, confessâmes,
confessa, confessai, professâtes,
professas, professa, professai
profits: bénéficie
progress: progrès, progresser,
avancer, déroulement
prolong: prolonger, prolonge,
prolonges, prolongent, prolongez,
prolongeons
promiscuously: de manière
immorale, de façon immorale
promise: promettre, promets,
promettent, promettez, promettons,
assurer
promote: promouvoir, promeus,
promeuvent, promouvons,
promouvez
promotes: promeut
promotion: promotion, avancement,
année
proof: preuve, épreuve, témoignage,
démonstration
proofs: épreuves
proper: convenable, propre, exact,
juste, adéquat, approprié
properly: convenablement,
proprement, comme il faut,
correctement, de façon convenable,
de manière convenable
property: propriété, biens, bien,
domaine, qualité, propriété foncière,
possession, fonds, accessoire,
patrimoine
prophecy: prophétie
prophet: prophète
 72
proportion: proportion,
proportionner
proposals: propositions
propose: proposer, proposes,
propose, proposons, proposez,
proposent
proposed: proposas, proposâtes,
proposèrent, proposa, proposâmes,
proposai, proposé
proposing: proposant
propriety: bienséance
prospect: perspective, prospecter
prosperity: prospérité
prosperous: prospère
prostitute: prostituée, prostituer,
putain, prostitué, fille, fille publique
prostitution: prostitution
protect: protéger, protèges, protègent,
protégons, protège, protégez,
abriter, préserver, garantir,
sauvegarder, assurer
protected: protégé, protégeâtes,
protégeas, protégea, protégèrent,
protégeai, protégeâmes, abrité,
préservâtes, préserva, préservai
protecting: protégeant, garantissant,
sauvegardant, préservant, abritant
protection: protection, garde,
sauvegarde
protest: protestation, protester,
contestation
proud: fier, altier, orgueilleux
proudly: fièrement, de manière fire,
de façon fire
prove: prouver, prouve, prouves,
prouvez, prouvons, prouvent,
démontrer
proves: prouve, éprouve
province: province, domaine, région
provincial: provincial
proving: prouvant, éprouvant
provision: provision, disposition,
approvisionnement
provoke: provoquer, provoque,
provoques, provoquons, provoquez,
provoquent, irriter, agacer
provoking: provoquant
prudence: prudence, précaution
prudent: prudent, raisonnable
publication: publication, parution
publicly: publiquement, de façon
publique, de manière publique
published: publias, publiâtes, publia,
publié, publièrent, publiâmes,
publiai, édité, éditas, éditâtes,
éditèrent
punishment: punition, peine,
châtiment, sanction
purchase: achat, acheter, emplette,
acquérir, acquisition
purpose: but, dessein, objet, intention
pursue: poursuivre, poursuivez,
Common Sense
poursuis, poursuivons, poursuivent,
pourchasser
pursues: poursuit
pursuing: poursuivant
putative: putatif
putting: mettant
qualified: qualifias, qualifiâtes,
qualifièrent, qualifia, qualifiai,
qualifiâmes, qualifié, diplômé
qualifies: qualifie
quality: qualité, propriété
quarrel: querelle, dispute, se
quereller, se disputer, noise
quarrels: querelles
quarter: quartier, quart, trimestre, le
quart
quell: étouffer, étouffe, étouffent,
étouffes, étouffez, étouffons,
suffoquer
quiet: calme, tranquille, paisible,
quiet, abattre, silencieux, rassurer,
repos
quit: quitter, quittas, quittes,
quittâtes, quittâmes, quittai, quitta,
quittèrent, quittons, quittez, quitté
quitted: quittés, quittées, quittâmes,
quittèrent, quittai
race: course, race, se précipiter,
s'élancer, chemin de roulement, raz
rage: fureur, rage, furie, tempêter,
rager
rain: pluie, pleuvoir, la pluie
raise: lever, élever, soulever,
entonner, éduquer, augmenter,
hausse, relever, dresser, ériger,
arborer
raises: arbore
raising: élevage
random: aléatoire, accidentel, au
hasard, hasard
rank: rang, grade, rangée, file, tour
ranks: rangs
rapid: rapide, prompt, rapides
rapidity: rapidité
rate: taux, évaluer, proportion, allure,
vitesse, rang, estimer, taxer, cours,
débit, apprécier
ravisher: ravisseur
reader: lecteur
reading: lecture, lisant
ready: prêt, disponible
reality: réalité
reap: moissonner, moissonne,
moissonnent, moissonnes,
moissonnez, moissonnons
reason: raison, cause, motif, raisonner
reasonable: raisonnable, modéré,
prudent, abordable
reasoning: raisonnement
reasons: raisonne
rebellions: rébellions
rebellious: rebelle, révolté
rebels: rebelles
recalled: rappelé
receive: recevoir, reçois, recevez,
recevons, reçoivent, accueillir,
admettre, accueille, accueillent,
accueilles, accueillez
received: reçûtes, reçus, reçurent,
reçut, reçûmes, reçu, accueilli,
accueillîmes, accueillirent, accueillis,
accueillit
reciprocal: réciproque, inverse
reciprocally: réciproquement, de
manière réciproque, de façon
réciproque, se
reckoning: calculant
reconcile: réconcilier, réconcilies,
réconcilie, réconcilient, réconciliez,
réconcilions
reconciliation: réconciliation
records: archives
recourse: recours
recruit: recruter, enrôler, recrue,
gagner, s'adjoindre des aides
redemption: rédemption,
amortissement, remboursement,
rachat
redress: réparation
reduce: réduire, réduisent, réduisons,
réduisez, réduis, abaisser, affaiblir,
amenuiser, abaissez, minorer,
rabaisser
referring: référant
refined: raffinâtes, raffinas, raffinai,
raffinèrent, raffinâmes, raffina,
raffiné, délicat, tendre, affiné, épura
refit: réparer, remettre en état de
service, repasser, remonter, rajuster
reflect: refléter, reflétons, reflète,
reflètes, reflétez, reflètent, réfléchir,
réfléchissons, réfléchis, réfléchissez,
réfléchissent
reflecting: reflétant, réfléchissant,
renvoyant
reflection: réflexion, reflet
reflects: reflète, réfléchit, renvoie
reflexion: réflexion
reformation: réforme
refuse: refuser, détritus, déchets,
repousser, rejeter, ordures
refused: refusé
refute: réfuter, réfute, réfutes,
réfutent, réfutez, réfutons, rejeter,
démentir
refuted: réfutâtes, réfutas, réfutai,
réfutâmes, réfuta, réfuté, réfutèrent
regal: royal
regard: considérer, considérez,
considérons, considères,
considèrent, considère, estime,
regarder, contempler, égard, regard
regardless: inattentif, indifférent
regards: considère

regency: régence
regular: régulier
regulate: régler, règles, règlent,
réglons, réglez, règle, réglementer,
réglemente, réglementent,
réglementes, réglementez
regulations: statut, réglement
reign: règne, commandement,
gouvernement, tenue
reigned: régné
reinstating: réintégrant
reject: rejeter, refuser, rejet,
repousser, rebut, rebuter
rejected: rejeté
relapse: rechute, rechuter
related: racontèrent, racontâtes,
racontas, racontâmes, racontai,
raconta, raconté, apparenté,
contâtes, contèrent, conté
relation: relation, abord, rapport
relationship: relation, parenté,
rapport, relations
relax: relaxer, relaxes, relaxons,
relaxent, relaxez, se relâcher, relaxe,
relâcher, relâchent, relâches,
relâchez
relief: soulagement, allégement,
relief, relève, secours
religion: religion
religious: religieux
relish: savourer, se délecter, goût
remain: rester, restes, restez, restons,
restent, reste, rester en arrière
remained: restas, restâtes, resté,
restâmes, restèrent, resta, restai
remaining: restant, qui reste, autre
remains: reste, restes
remark: remarque, observation,
commentaire, remarquer
remarked: remarqué
remarking: remarquant
remarks: remarque
remedy: remède, moyen, ressource,
assainir, guérir
remember: se rappeler, se souvenir,
rappeler, retenir, rappelle, retiens,
retiennent, rappelles, retenez,
retenons, rappelons
remembered: retenu, retîntes, retint,
retins, retînmes, rappelâtes,
rappelas, rappelâmes, rappelai,
retinrent, rappela
remembering: retenant, rappelant
remembrance: souvenir, mémoire
remissness: négligence
removal: enlèvement,
déménagement, dépose, piégeage,
renvoi, révocation
remove: ôter, supprimer, ôtes,
supprimons, supprimez, supprimes,
suppriment, supprime, ôtez, ôtent,
ôte
Thomas Paine
removed: ôtai, ôtèrent, ôtâmes, ôtas,
ôtâtes, supprimèrent, ôté,
supprimai, supprimâmes,
supprimas, supprimé
render: rendre
rendered: plâtras, rendit, rendîmes,
rendirent, rendîtes, plâtrèrent,
plâtré, plâtrâtes, crépi, rendis,
plâtrâmes
renew: renouveler, renouvellent,
renouvelle, renouvelles,
renouvelons, renouvelez,
reconduire, reconduisez,
reconduisent, reconduis,
reconduisons
renounce: renoncer, renonce,
renonces, renoncez, renonçons,
renoncent, abandonner, abjurer,
résigner, renier
repaired: réparé
repairing: réparant, réparation,
réparer, mise en état de marche,
rhabillage, raccommodage
repeal: abrogation, abroger,
annulation, annuler, révoquer,
révocation
repeat: répéter, répètes, répète,
répètent, répétons, répétez, reprise,
redire, redisent, redisons, redis
repeated: répétâtes, répétas, répétai,
répétâmes, répéta, répétèrent,
répété, redîmes, redirent, redîtes,
redit
repel: repousser, repousse, repousses,
repoussons, repoussez, repoussent
replace: remplacer, remplaces,
remplace, remplacez, remplacent,
remplaçons, substituer, substituons,
substitue, substituent, substitues
reply: réponse, répondre, répliquer,
réplique
reported: rapporté
represent: représenter, représentes,
représentez, représentent,
représentons, représente, figurer
representation: représentation, figure
reproach: reproche, reprocher,
réprimander, gronder, sermonner,
reprendre
reprobate: réprouvé, réprouver
republic: république
republican: républicain
repugnant: répugnant
request: demande, demander, prier,
requête
requested: demandé
required: requîtes, exigèrent,
exigeâtes, exigeas, exigeâmes,
exigea, requit, exigeai, requîmes,
requirent, exigé
requires: requiert, exige, réclame
rescue: sauver, sauvetage, secours,
73
délivrance
resentment: ressentiment, rancune,
dépit
reserve: réserver, réserve, retenir,
commander, demander
reserved: réservé, réservée
residence: résidence, domicile,
demeure, habitation, logis,
logement, gîte
resistance: résistance
resolute: résolu
resolution: résolution, motion,
définition, pouvoir de résolution
resource: ressource, ressources
respect: respect, respecter
respecting: respectant
rest: repos, se reposer, reste, débris,
reposer, appui, trêve, pause, support
restless: agité, remuant
restore: restaurer, restaures,
restaurez, restaurent, restaure,
restaurons, rétablir, rétablis,
rétablissent, rétablissez, rétablissons
restraining: retenant
return: retour, revenir, rentrée,
retourner, revenu, renvoyer, rendre,
rente, rentabilité, déclaration,
rendement
revenge: revanche, vengeance,
venger
revolt: révolte, se révolter
revolution: révolution, tour, rotation
rich: riche
riches: richesse
ridicule: ridicule, ridiculiser
ridiculous: ridicule
ridiculously: de manière ridicule, de
façon ridicule
rigging: gréement, manœuvre
rightly: correctement, de manière
droite, de façon droite
rights: droits
rind: couenne, croûte, écorce, peau
ripeness: maturité
rise: monter, lever, surgir,
augmenter, hausse, se lever,
sursauter, montée, se soulever,
élévation, augmentation
robbed: pillèrent, pillâtes, pillas,
pillâmes, pillai, pilla, pillé, ravîtes,
ravi, ravîmes, ravirent
robber: voleur, ravisseur
rod: baguette, barre, tige, perche,
tringle, badine, gaule, barreau,
bâton, bielle, bâtonnet
rogue: gredin, canaille, polisson,
fripon, escroc
rotation: rotation, rotationnel,
assolement, renouvellement,
révolution
rotten: pourri, mauvais
rotting: pourrissant
 74
roundly: de manière ronde, de façon
ronde, rondement
routing: acheminement, routage
royal: royal
royalty: royauté, règne
rubicon: rubicon
ruffian: apache
ruin: ruine, ruiner, abîmer, abaisser,
ravager
ruined: ruiné
ruins: ruine, ruines
rule: règle, gouverner, régner, règne,
commandement, gouvernement,
surveiller, tenue, régler, filet
running: courant, course, marche,
coulant, fonctionnement
rupture: rupture, cassure
rural: rural, rustique
russia: Russie, la Russie
sacred: sacré, saint
sacrificed: sacrifié
sacrifices: sacrifie
sacrificing: sacrifiant
safely: de manière sûre, de façon sûre
safety: sécurité, sûreté
sail: voile, naviguer
sailor: marin, matelot, navigateur
sails: voiles, voilure
sake: saké
sale: vente, solde, abattement, soldes
saltpetre: salpêtre
sanctify: sanctifier, sanctifie,
sanctifions, sanctifies, sanctifiez,
sanctifient
sanctuary: sanctuaire, asile, réserve,
refuge
sanguine: sanguin
satan: Satan
satellite: satellite
satisfactorily: de manière
satisfaisante, de façon satisfaisante
sauntering: flânant
savage: sauvage
saying: disant, adage, proverbe
scale: échelle, écaille, balance,
gamme, bascule, escalader, squame,
tartre, monter, écailler, calamine
scarcely: à peine, de manière rare, de
façon rare
scattered: dispersé, dispersâmes,
dispersèrent, dispersas, dispersai,
dispersa, dispersâtes, répandu,
répandîtes, répandit, répandis
scene: scène, lieu
schoolboy: écolier
science: science
score: orchestrer, partition, note,
marque, rayure, adapter, score, cote,
marquer
scorn: dédain, mépriser, mépris
scripture: écriture
sea: mer, marin
Common Sense
seal: phoque, sceller, sceau, scellé,
cachet, cacheter, plomber, joint,
obturer
season: saison, assaisonner
seasonable: de saison, à propos,
opportun
seat: siège, banquette, assiette, place,
selle
secondary: secondaire, accessoire,
auxiliaire
secondly: deuxièmement, de manière
seconde, de façon seconde
secret: secret, arcane
secretary: secrétaire
sect: secte
secular: séculaire, séculier
secure: fixer, fixe, fixent, fixes, fixez,
fixons, sûr, attacher, en sûreté, à
l'abri, obtenir
secured: fixâtes, fixèrent, fixas,
fixâmes, fixai, fixa, fixé
securely: solidement
securing: fixant, arrimage, fixation
security: sécurité, garantie, sûreté,
gage, titre
seed: semence, graine, pépin, germe,
ensemencer
seeing: voyant, sciant
seek: chercher, cherches, cherche,
cherchent, cherchez, cherchons,
railler, raille, raillons, raillez, raillent
seldom: rarement
select: sélectionner, sélectionnes,
sélectionne, sélectionnez,
sélectionnent, sélectionnons, choisir
selected: sélectionnas, sélectionnâtes,
sélectionnai, sélectionnèrent,
sélectionna, sélectionnâmes,
sélectionné, choisi
selfish: égoïste
selfishness: égoïsme
sell: vendre, vendons, vendez,
vendent, vends, écouler, brader
send: envoyer, envoies, envoie,
envoyons, envoient, envoyez,
adresser, adresse, adressent,
adresses, adressez
sending: envoyant, adressant, envoi
sensible: raisonnable, prudent, sensé
sent: envoyas, envoyâtes, envoyâmes,
envoyèrent, envoya, envoyai,
envoyé, adressas, adressâtes,
adressé, adressai
sentiment: sentiment
separate: séparer, particulier, séparé,
diviser, disperser, dissiper, débiter,
trier, partager, indépendant
separated: séparé
separation: séparation, abandon,
décollement, espacement, scission
sequestered: séquestrai,
séquestrâmes, séquestras,
séquestrâtes, séquestrèrent,
séquestra, séquestré
serious: sérieux, grave, important,
considérable, majeur
seriously: sérieusement, de façon
sérieuse, de manière sérieuse,
gravement
servants: domestiques, serviteurs
serve: servir, servons, servent, sers,
servez, desservir, service, être de
service, desservent, desservez,
desservons
served: servit, servîtes, servis,
servîmes, servirent, servi, desservis,
desservit, desservîtes, desservîmes,
desservi
sets: sets
setting: réglage, cadre, calage,
sertissage
settle: régler, réglons, réglez, règles,
règlent, règle, s'abattre, s'abaisser,
coloniser
settled: réglâmes, régla, réglas,
réglèrent, réglai, réglâtes, réglé
seven: sept
seventh: septième
seventy: septante
shake: secouer, secoue, secouons,
secouez, secoues, secouent, ébranler,
ébranlez, ébranles, ébranlent,
ébranle
shaken: secoué, ébranlé
shame: honte, pouah, vergogne
shape: forme, former, façonner,
modeler, profil
shares: actions, titres, partage
sheep: mouton
sheets: feuilles, tôle d'aérage
shined: reluite, brillé, relui, reluites,
reluits
ship: navire, bateau, expédier,
expédie, expédions, expédiez,
expédies, expédient, vaisseau
ships: expédie
short: court
shrinking: rétrécissant
shut: fermer, arrêter, fermé
sickly: maladif, de manière malade,
écoeurant, de façon malade, malsain
sight: vue, spectacle, visée, air,
apparence, allure, aspect,
apercevoir, mire
silence: silence, repos
silent: silencieux
silently: silencieusement, de manière
silencieuse, de façon silencieuse
silver: argent, argenté, argenter
similar: semblable, pareil, similaire,
analogue
simile: comparaison
simple: simple, pur
sin: péché, pécher, commettre une

faute
sinful: coupable
single: célibataire, unique, simple,
seul, individuel, individuelle
sinking: affaissement, naufrage
sir: monsieur
sister: soeur
sit: couver, être assis, asseoir, couve,
couvent, couves, couvez, couvons,
s'asseyent, vous asseyez, m'assieds
sitting: couvant, s'asseyant, séance,
service, sédentaire
situated: situé, situas, situâtes, situai,
situèrent, situâmes, situa
situation: situation
sixteen: seize
sixth: sixième
sixty: soixante
skirmishes: escarmouches
slain: tué
slaughter: abattre, abattage,
massacre, tuerie, carnage
slavery: esclavage
slaves: esclaves
slavish: servile
sleep: sommeil, dormir, dors,
dormons, dormez, dorment, pioncer
slept: dormi, dormîmes, dormis,
dormit, dormîtes, dormirent,
dormies
slip: glissement, glisser, barbotine,
fiche, lapsus, combinaison, cale,
bouture, patiner, glissade
smaller: plus petit
smoothly: de manière lisse, de façon
lisse, facilement
snow: neige, neiger, blanche
sold: vendîtes, vendirent, vendîmes,
vendu, vendis, vendit, bradées
soldier: soldat, militaire
soldiery: soldats, militaires
solemn: solennel
solemnly: solennellement, de
manière solennelle, de façon
solennelle
solicitous: préoccupé, soucieux
solitude: solitude
solve: résoudre, résolvez, résolvons,
résous, résolvent, dénouer
somewhat: une certaine quantité, un
peu, quelque peu
somewhere: quelque part
son: fils
sons: fils
soon: bientôt, tout à l'heure
sophist: sophiste
sorrow: abattement, chagrin
soul: âme
sound: son, sonner, résonner, bruit,
sain, sonder, détroit, vibration
acoustique, oscillation acoustique,
solide, sonde
Thomas Paine
sounding: sondage, sonore
sovereign: souverain
sovereignty: souveraineté
spain: Espagne, l'Espagne
spaniel: épagneul
speak: parler, parles, parlons, parle,
parlez, parlent
species: espèce, espèce biologique,
espèces
speech: discours, parole, langage,
allocution, élocution
speed: vitesse, rapidité, allure, hâte
spend: dépenser, dépenses, dépense,
dépensent, dépensez, dépensons,
passer, passent, passes, passez,
passons
spirit: esprit, vigueur
splendor: splendeur
spoke: parlas, parlèrent, parlâmes,
parlai, parla, parlâtes, rayon
spot: tache, endroit, place, point,
destination, lieu, salir, localité,
souiller, spot, message publicitaire
spreading: diffusion, épandage,
enduction, enduisage
springs: sources, tortillons
stage: étape, phase, stade, scène,
tenue, station, étage, gare, mettre en
scène, niveau, estrade
stake: pieu, poteau, échalas, jalon,
piquet, perche
stamp: timbre, estampiller, timbrer,
cachet, poinçon, estampille, tampon,
estamper, empreinte, tamponner,
marque
stand: stand, être debout, échoppe,
kiosque, support, pied, peuplement,
position, socle, surgir, se dresser
standing: debout, permanent
stands: tribune
starts: démarre
starve: affamer, affame, affames,
affament, affamez, affamons, mourir
de faim
states: états
station: station, gare, poste
stay: séjour, rester, restons, restent,
restes, restez, reste, étai, hauban,
demeurer, séjourner
steady: régulier, stable
steer: diriger, conduire, boeuf,
piloter, bouvillon, gouverner
step: pas, marche, étape, gradin,
échelon, palier, faire les cent pas,
marchepied
steps: étapes, escalier
sterling: de bon aloi, de confiance,
sterling
stile: échalier, montant
stirred: remué
stop: arrêter, arrêtez, arrête, arrêtes,
arrêtent, arrêtons, arrêt, cesser,
75
cessent, cessez, cessons
stoppage: arrêt
straggling: dispersion aléatoire,
dispersion, fluctuation de parcours
strange: étrange, singulier, drôle,
étranger, bizarre
strangely: étrangement, de façon
étrange, de manière étrange
stranger: étranger, inconnu
street: rue
strength: force, puissance, résistance
mécanique
strengthening: fortifiant, renforçant,
renforcement
stretch: tendre, étirer, étendre,
allongement, s'étendre, s'étirer
striking: frappant
striving: combattant
strong: fort, puissant, vigoureux,
solide, robuste
struck: frappé
struggle: lutter, combat, combattre,
lutte, se démener, se débattre,
bataille, batailler, luter
studiously: de manière studieuse, de
façon studieuse
stuffed: bourré
subdue: soumettre, soumettent,
soumets, soumettons, soumettez,
subjuguer, subjugue, subjugues,
subjuguons, subjuguent, subjuguez
subdued: soumîmes, soumîtes,
soumit, soumirent, soumis,
subjuguâtes, subjuguas,
subjuguâmes, subjugué, subjuguai,
subjugua
subject: sujet, thème, composition,
objet
subjection: soumission
submission: soumission, dépôt
submit: soumettre, soumettons,
soumets, soumettez, soumettent,
abdiquer, se soumettre
submits: soumet
submitted: soumîtes, soumirent,
soumit, soumîmes, soumis
submitting: soumettant
subsequent: subséquent, postérieur,
suivant
subsides: s'affaisse
succeed: réussir, réussis, réussissons,
réussissez, réussissent, arriver,
succéder, abouter, succèdes,
succède, succédons
success: succès, prospérité,
aboutissement, gain, réussite
successfully: de façon réussie, de
manière réussie
succession: succession
sudden: subit, soudain
suffer: souffrir, souffre, souffrons,
souffrent, souffres, souffrez,
 76
endurer, subir, subissez, subissent,
subis
suffered: souffrîmes, souffrîtes,
souffrit, souffris, souffert,
souffrirent, subîtes, subi, subîmes,
subirent, subis
sufferer: victime
suffering: souffrant, subissant,
souffrance
sufficiency: suffisance, exhaustivité
sufficient: suffisant
sufficiently: suffisamment, assez,
passablement, plutôt, de façon
suffisante, de manière suffisante
suit: costume, complet, convenir,
procès, couleur
sullen: maussade
sum: somme, montant, addition
sun: soleil, ensoleillé
sunk: sombré, enfoncés, enfoncées,
enfoncée, enfoncé
superficial: superficiel
superior: supérieur, suprême,
dominant, surplombant
superiority: supériorité
supersede: abroger, remplace,
remplacez, remplaçons, remplaces,
abroges, abrogeons, abroge,
abrogez, abrogent, remplacent
superstition: superstition
superstitious: superstitieux
supplied: fourni
supplies: fournitures,
approvisionnement,
approvisionnements, provisions
supply: fourniture, provision,
fournir, alimentation,
approvisionnement, ravitaillement,
livrer, munir, pourvoir, réserve,
alimenter
supporter: partisan, adhérent, affilié,
adepte, supporter
suppose: supposer, suppose,
supposes, supposons, supposent,
supposez
supposed: supposâtes, supposas,
supposâmes, supposa, supposèrent,
supposai, supposé, supposés,
prétendu
supposes: suppose
supposing: supposant
supposition: hypothèse, supposition
suppress: étouffer, étouffez,
étouffons, étouffe, étouffent,
étouffes, réprimer, réprimez,
réprimes, réprime, réprimons
surmount: surmonter, surmonte,
surmontes, surmontons, surmontez,
surmontent
surprised: surpris
surrender: abandon, se rendre,
reddition
Common Sense
survey: enquête, étude, levé,
inspection, sondage, arpenter,
campagne d'évaluation
survivor: survivant, rescapé
suspicion: soupçon, méfiance,
suspicion
suspicious: méfiant, soupçonneux,
suspect, sinistre
sustain: maintenir, appuyer,
maintiens, maintiennent,
maintenons, maintenez, accoter,
appuient, appuyons, appuies,
appuie
swallowed: avalé
sweden: suède
sweep: balayer, balayage, courbure,
draguer
swells: houles, forçage
sword: épée, sabre, glaive
sycophant: flagorneur
systems: systèmes
takes: prend
tale: conte, récit, relation
talk: parler, parles, parle, parlez,
parlent, parlons, causerie, discuter,
discours, entretien
talked: parlas, parlâtes, parlai, parla,
parlèrent, parlâmes, parlé
talking: parlant, bavardage
tamper: altérer
tar: goudron, bitume, goudronner
task: tâche, devoir
teach: enseigner, enseignes,
enseignent, enseignons, enseignez,
enseigne, instruire, apprendre,
instruisent, instruisez, instruis
temper: humeur, tremper, durcir,
tempérament, trempe, tempérer,
gâcher
tempered: ayant subi un revenu,
tempéré, revenu
temporary: temporaire, provisoire,
intérimaire
temptation: tentation
tenant: locataire
tended: soignâtes, surveillé,
surveillâtes, surveillas, surveillâmes,
surveillai, surveilla, soigné, soignas,
soignâmes, soignai
tendency: tendance, disposition,
aptitude, inclination, penchant
tender: offre, tendre, adjudication,
doux, tender, annexe, offrir,
présenter, proposition, gentil, suave
tends: soigne, surveille
tenth: dixième
terminated: terminâtes, terminas,
terminai, terminâmes, termina,
terminèrent, terminé
terms: conditions, condition, termes
terrible: terrible, affreux
terrifying: terrifiant
testimony: témoignage, déposition
thank: remercier, remercies, remercie,
remerciez, remercions, remercient
thanks: remercie, merci,
remerciement
thee: toi, te, vous
theirs: leur
thereby: de ce fait, par ce moyen
therefrom: de là
therein: en cela
thereof: de cela
therewith: avec cela
thickly: de manière épaisse, de façon
épaisse
thinking: pensant, pensée
thinks: pense
thirst: soif, avoir soif
thirteen: treize
thirty: trente
thoroughly: de manière minutieuse,
de façon minutieuse
thou: tu, vous, toi
thousand: mille, millier
thousands: milliers
thread: fil, filet, enfiler, fileter, filetage
threaten: menacer, menaces,
menaçons, menacez, menacent,
menace, gronder
threatened: menaças, menaçâtes,
menacèrent, menacé, menaçai,
menaça, menaçâmes
threw: jetâmes, jeta, jetai, jetèrent
thrived: prospéra, prospérai,
prospérâmes, prospéras,
prospérâtes, prospérèrent, prospéré
throats: gorges
throne: trône
throughout: partout
throw: jeter, jet, lancer, projeter,
course, lancement
thunder: tonnerre, tonner, retenir
thy: ton
till: caisse, à, jusqu'à ce que
timber: bois, bois de construction,
boiser, bois d'œuvre, madrier
timely: opportun
timidity: timidité
timorous: craintif, timoré
title: titre, intitulé
tolerable: tolérable, supportable,
passable
tory: conservateur
total: total, additionner
totally: de manière totale, de façon
totale, totalement
tottering: titubant, vacillant,
chancelant
touches: touche
touchstone: pierre de touche
town: ville, cité, localité
townsman: citadin
trace: trace, tracer, décalquer, calquer,

empreinte, impression, trait, piste,
retracer
trade: commerce, métier, commercer,
négoce, faire du commerce
trampled: piétiné
tranquillity: tranquillité
transaction: transaction, opération
transport: transport, transporter,
reporter, transports
travel: voyager, voyageons, voyagez,
voyagent, voyages, voyage, course,
aller, déplacement, aller en véhicule,
se déplacer
treacherous: traître, déloyal
treacherously: de manière traître, de
façon traître
tread: piétiner, bande de roulement,
chape, giron, fouler aux pieds, faire
les cent pas, semelle, marcher sur,
fouler
treason: trahison
treasure: trésor, cassette
treasury: trésorerie, Trésor public,
trésor
treat: traiter, régaler, soigner, régal,
guérir
treated: traité
treating: traitant
tree: arbre, arborescence
trembling: tremblant, tremblement,
frémissant
tribes: tribus
trifles: bagatelles
trifling: mineur
triumph: triomphe, triompher
troubles: gêne, troubles
true: vrai, véritable, réel, qui a raison,
exact, juste
truly: vraiment, réellement, en vérité,
en fait, en réalité, véritablement
trump: atout
trust: confiance, fiducie, confier, trust,
foi, fidéicommis, se fier
trustees: administrateurs
truth: vérité
trying: essayant
tumult: barouf, baroufle, bagarre,
tumulte
turkey: dinde, Turquie, dindon
turn: tourner, tournes, tourne,
tournons, tournent, tournez, tour,
changer, retourner, dévier,
retournes
turns: tourne, change, retourne, dévie
twelve: douze
twentieth: vingtième
twenty: vingt
twice: deux fois, bis
tyranny: tyrannie
tyrant: tyran
tyrants: tyrans
unaccountable: inexplicable
Thomas Paine
unalterable: immuable
unanswerably: de manière
irréfutable, de façon irréfutable
unavoidably: de manière inévitable,
de façon inévitable
uncertain: incertain, aléatoire, vague
unconnected: sans rapport
undeceived: détrompai,
détrompâmes, détrompas,
détrompâtes, détrompé,
détrompèrent, détrompa
understanding: comprenant,
compréhension, abord, relation,
entendement, entente
understood: comprîmes, compris,
comprîtes, comprit, comprirent,
comprise
undertaken: entrepris
undoubted: indubitable
undoubtedly: sans doute,
indubitablement, de manière
indubitable, de façon indubitable
undue: indu
uneasy: agité, inquiet, gêné
unequal: inégal
unfair: injuste, déloyal
unfeelingly: de manière insensible,
de façon insensible
unfit: inapte
unfortunate: malheureux
unfriendly: inamical, froid
uniform: uniforme, tenue
union: union, syndicat, raccord
unite: unir, unissons, unissez,
unissent, unis, joindre, accoupler,
apparier, apparient, apparions,
apparie
united: unîtes, unirent, unis, unîmes,
unit, uni, appariai, apparièrent,
apparié, appariâtes, appariâmes
uniting: unissant, appariant
unity: unité
universal: universel
unjust: injuste
unless: à moins que, à moins de, sauf
unlike: à la différence de
unmanly: lâche
unnatural: anormal
unnaturally: de manière anormale,
anormalement, de façon anormale
unnecessary: inutile
unoccupied: inoccupé, vacant
unparalleled: incomparable, sans
précédent
unpleasant: désagréable, déplaisant,
maussade
unpunished: impuni
unreasonable: déraisonnable
unrestrained: effréné
unsettled: perturbé
untutored: peu instruit, non formé
unwilling: peu disposé
77
unwise: imprudent
unwisely: de manière imprudente, de
façon imprudente
unworthy: indigne
upwards: vers le haut
urge: inciter, presser, être urgent,
pousser, exhorter
urged: exhorté
useful: utile
useless: inutile, vain, abortif
usurpation: usurpation
usurper: usurpateur
utmost: extrême
vacant: vide, vague, vacant
vain: vain, vaniteux, abortif, frivole
valuable: cher, coûteux, de valeur,
précieux, objet de valeur
value: valeur, apprécier, mérite,
évaluer
valued: estimé
vanishes: disparaît
vanity: vanité, futilité
variance: variance, désaccord
variety: variété, diversité
various: divers, différents, varié
vary: varier, varie, varies, varient,
variez, varions, différer
vassalage: vasselage, vassalité
vast: étendu, ample, vaste, large
venture: risquer, aventurer, oser,
entreprise, oser entreprendre,
aventure, hasarder
vice: vice, étau, vertu
victory: victoire
views: vues
vile: vil, abject, lâche, infâme
vineyards: vignobles
violated: violâtes, violas, violâmes,
violé, violèrent, viola, violai,
enfreignirent, enfreint, enfreignîtes,
attentâmes
violence: violence
violent: violent
violently: violemment, de manière
violente, de façon violente
virtually: pratiquement, de manière
virtuelle, de façon virtuelle
virtue: vertu
virtuous: vertueux
visible: visible, apparent, manifeste
visionary: visionnaire
voted: voté
voters: électeurs
vulgar: vulgaire, trivial
waiting: attendant, attente
walk: marcher, marches, marchons,
marchent, marchez, promenade,
marche, démarche, se promener
wanting: voulant
wants: veut
warmer: plus chaud
warn: avertir, avertissons, avertissent,
 78
avertis, avertissez, alerter, alerte,
alertons, alertez, alertent, alertes
warning: avertissement, avertissant,
sommation, alerte, alertant,
recommandation, avis
warp: chaîne, ourdir
wars: guerres
wasting: gaspillant, gâchant,
prodiguant, gaspillage
watch: montre, regarder, horloge,
être spectateur de, veille, veiller,
pendule, surveiller, regarder un
spectacle, voir, observer
wave: vague, onde, agiter, brandir,
onduler, lame
ways: glissière, façons
weak: faible, débile, lâche, mou
weakness: faiblesse, débilité,
impuissance, mollesse
wealthy: riche
weeping: pleurant
weighed: pesas, pesâtes, pesai,
pesâmes, pesé, pesa, pesèrent
weight: pesanteur, masse, balance,
coefficient de pondération, charge,
graisse
weighty: important, lourd
welcome: bienvenue, accueil,
accueillir, bienvenu, accueilles,
accueille, accueillent, accueillez,
accueillons, recevoir solennellement
west: ouest, occident, à l'ouest, vers
l'ouest
whatever: quoi que
whatsoever: quelconque, quoi que
wheat: blé, froment
wheels: roues
whenever: chaque fois que, toutes les
fois que
whereas: attendu que, tandis que,
durant, alors que, lors, pendant que,
pendant
wherefore: pourquoi
whining: geignant, gémissant, criant,
gémissements
whoever: quiconque
wholly: complètement, entièrement,
totalement, tout
whom: qui
whose: dont, duquel, de qui
wicked: mauvais, méchant
wickedly: de manière méchante, de
façon méchante
wickedness: méchanceté
wife: femme, épouse
wilderness: désert
wilful: obstiné
william: guillaume
willing: volontaire, disposé, prêt
windows: fenêtres
winter: hiver, hiverner
wisdom: sagesse, intelligence
Common Sense
wise: sensé, raisonnable
wisely: sagement, de manière sensée,
de façon sensée
wish: souhait, désir, désirer,
souhaiter, vouloir, volonté, gré
wishes: vœux
wishing: désirant
withdraw: retirer, retire, retirent,
retires, retirez, retirons, décéder,
prélever
withdrawn: retiré
withheld: retîntes, retînmes,
retinrent, retins, retint, retenu
withhold: retenir, retiens, retenez,
retenons, retiennent
withholding: retenant
withstood: résistai, résistâmes,
résistas, résistâtes, résisté,
résistèrent, résista
witness: témoin, être présent,
assister, témoigner
won: gagnâmes, gagnèrent, gagnas,
gagnai, gagna, gagnâtes, Gagné,
remportèrent, remporta, remportai,
remportâmes
wonder: s'étonner, miracle, merveille,
se demander
woods: bois, forêt
word: mot, parole, promesse
works: travaux
worm: ver, vis sans fin
worn: usé
worse: pire, plus mauvais
worship: adorer, adoration,
vénération, vénérer
worst: pire, le plus mauvais
worth: valeur, mérite
worthless: nul, sans valeur
worthy: digne
wound: blessure, blesser, plaie
wounded: blessé, blessés
wretch: malheureux, scélérat
wretched: misérable, pauvre,
infortuné, pitoyable, malheureux
wretchedness: misère
writer: auteur, écrivain, rédacteur
written: écrit
wrong: tort, faux, abusif, incorrect,
erroné, injustice, mal
ye: vous, toi, tu
yearly: annuellement, annuel
yours: vôtre
yourself: vous
youth: jeunesse, ado, jeunes