Respectfully Quoted: A Dictionary of Quotations. 1989.
| NUMBER: | 540 |
| AUTHOR: | Mark Twain (1835–1910) |
| QUOTATION: | The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter—’tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning. |
| ATTRIBUTION: | Bainton asked leading authors for “literary reminiscences, methods of work, and advice to young beginners,” and compiled their answers to produce his book. |
| SUBJECTS: | English language |