CASUALTY. This word is often heard with the incorrect addition of a syllable, _casuality_, which is not recognized by the lexicographers. Some writers object to the word casualty, and always use its synonym _accident_.
CELEBRITY. "A number of _celebrities_ witnessed the first representation." This word is frequently used, especially in the newspapers, as a concrete term; but it would be better to use it in its abstract sense only, and in sentences like the one above to say _distinguished persons_.
CHARACTER--REPUTATION. These two words are not synonyms, though often used as such. _Character_ means the sum of distinguishing qualities. "Actions, looks, words, steps, form the alphabet by which you may spell characters."--Lavater. _Reputation_ means the estimation in which one is held. One's reputation, then, is what is thought of one's character; consequently, one may have a good reputation and a bad character, or a good character and a bad reputation. Calumny may injure _reputation_, but not _character_. Sir Peter does not leave his _character_ behind him, but his _reputation_--his _good name_.
CHEAP. The dictionaries define this adjective as meaning, bearing a low price, or to be had at a low price; but nowadays good usage makes it mean that a thing may be had, or has been sold, at a bargain. Hence, in order to make sure of being understood, it is better to say _low-priced_, when one means low-priced, than to use the word _cheap_. What is low-priced, as everybody knows, is often _dear_, and what is high-priced is often _cheap_. A diamond necklace might be _cheap_ at ten thousand dollars, and a pinchbeck necklace dear at ten dollars.
CHERUBIM. The Hebrew plural of _cherub_. "We are authorized," says Dr. Campbell, "both by use and analogy, to say either _cherubs_ and _seraphs_, according to the English idiom, or _cherubim_ and _seraphim_, according to the Oriental. The former suits better the familiar, the latter the solemn, style. As the words _cherubim_ and _seraphim_ are plural, the terms _cherubims_ and _seraphims_, as expressing the plural, are quite improper."--"Philosophy of Rhetoric."
CITIZEN. This word properly means one who has certain political rights; when, therefore, it is used, as it often is, to designate persons who may be aliens, it, to say the least, betrays a want of care in the selection of words. "Several _citizens_ were injured by the explosion." Here some other word--_persons_, for example--should be used.