In logic the words _concept_ and _term_ are practically identical, but in the popular usage of the terms there is a distinct difference. This difference is warranted, if we depart from the theoretical phase of logic, for the word _concept_ really denotes an _idea_ in the mind, while the word _term_ really denotes a _word_ or name of an idea or concept--the symbol of the latter. In a previous chapter we have seen that Denomination, or "the act of naming or designating by a name" is the final step or stage in forming a concept. And it is a fact that the majority of the words in the languages of civilized people denote general ideas or concepts. As Brooks says: "To give each individual or particular idea a name peculiar to itself would be impracticable and indeed impossible; the mind would soon become overwhelmed with its burden of names. Nearly all the ordinary words of our language are general rather than particular. The individuals distinguished by particular names, excepting persons and places, are comparatively few. Most objects are named only by common nouns; nearly all of our verbs express general actions; our adjectives denote common qualities, and our adverbs designate classes of actions and qualities. There are very few words in the language, besides the names of persons and places, that do not express general ideas." In logic the word _term_ is employed to denote _any word or words which constitute a concept_. The word _concept_ is employed strictly in the sense of _a subject of thought_, without reference to the words symbolizing it. The _concept_, or subject of thought, is the important element or fact and the _term_ denoting it is merely a convenient symbol of expression. It must be remembered that a _term_ does not necessarily consists of but a single word, for often many words are employed to denote the concept, sometimes even an entire clause or phrase being found necessary for the current _term_. For the purpose of the consideration of the subjects to be treated upon in this book, we may agree that: _A term is the outward symbol of a concept_; and that: _The concept is the idea expressed by the term_.