abilitiesnounUS /əˈbɪlətiːz/
plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
matters of personal concern
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
affectationnounUS /ˌæfekˈteɪʃən/
a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
BaconnounUS /ˈbeɪkən/
back and sides of a hog salted and dried or smoked; usually sliced thin and fried
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
boundedadjectiveUS /ˈbaʊndəd/
having the limits or boundaries established
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
a person who is in charge
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
counselsnounUS /ˈkaʊnsəlz/
plural of “counsel” — a lawyer who pleads cases in court
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
plural of “direction” — a line leading to a place or point
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
discoursenounUS /ˈdɪskɔːrs/
extended verbal expression in speech or writing
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
your usual mood
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
apart from; not including
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
executeverbUS /ˈeksəkjuːt/
kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
expertadjectiveUS /ˈekspərt/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
Francis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
determine the result of (a competition)
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
judgementnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒmənt/
the legal document stating the reasons for a judicial decision
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
engage in
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
marshalling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
the force of workers available
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
ornamentverbUS /ˈɔːrnəmənt/
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
particularsnounUS /pərˈtɪkjələrz/
plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
perfectedadjectiveUS /pərˈfektɪd/
(of plans, ideas, etc.) perfectly formed
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
by chance
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
plantsnounUS /plænts/
plural of “plant” — buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
plotsnounUS /plɑːts/
plural of “plot” — a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
privatenessnoun
the condition of being concealed or hidden
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
proyning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
retiringadjectiveUS /rɪˈtaɪrɪŋ/
not arrogant or presuming
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
rulesnounUS /ruːlz/
plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
scholarnounUS /ˈskɒl.ər/
A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
slothnounUS /sloʊθ/
a disinclination to work or exert yourself
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
STUDIESnounUS /ˈstʌdiz/
plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection
From this reading _Francis Bacon._ OF STUDIES Studies serve for delight, for ornament, and for ability.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They perfect nature, and are perfected by experience; for natural abilities are like natural plants, that need proyning by study; and studies themselves do give forth directions too much at large, except they be bounded in by experience.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading For expert men can execute, and perhaps judge of particulars, one by one; but the general counsels, and the plots and marshalling of affairs, come best from those that are learned.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
the act of using
From this reading Their chief use for delight is in privateness and retiring; for ornament, is in discourse; and for ability, is in the judgement and disposition of business.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading To spend too much time in studies is sloth; to use them too much for ornament is affectation; to make judgement wholly by their rules is the humour of the scholar.
