used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
basisnounUS /ˈbeɪsəs/
a relation that provides the foundation for something
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
an alert cognitive state in which you are aware of yourself and your situation
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
coolnessnounUS /ˈkuːlnəs/
calm and unruffled self-assurance
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading But I did not falter in my purpose.
disdainverbUS /dɪsˈdeɪn/
look down on with disdain
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
establishverbUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃ/
set up or found
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
falterverbUS /ˈfɔːltər/
be unsure or weak
From this reading But I did not falter in my purpose.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
grievedverbUS /ɡriːvd/
past form of “grieve” — feel grief
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
hostilitynounUS /hɑːˈstɪləti/
a hostile (very unfriendly) disposition
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
the quality of being humane
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But I did not falter in my purpose.
intelligentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒənt/
having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
engage in
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
the force of workers available
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
a form of address for a man
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
mutualadjectiveUS /ˈmjuːtʃuːəl/
common to or shared by two or more parties
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
in such a manner as could not be otherwise
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
nobleradjectiveUS /ˈnoʊblər/
comparative of “noble” — impressive in appearance
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
have ownership or possession of
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
perceiveverbUS /pərˈsiːv/
to become aware of through the senses
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
principlesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading But I did not falter in my purpose.
reflectionsnounUS /rɪˈflekʃənz/
plural of “reflection” — a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
refrainverbUS /rɪˈfreɪn/
resist doing something
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
Identical; not different.
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
selfishadjectiveUS /ˈselfɪʃ/
concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
serviceableadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrvəsəbəl/
ready for service or able to give long service
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
Spence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
not conscious; lacking awareness and the capacity for sensory perception as if asleep or dead
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
the act of using
From this reading How much nobler to help to establish principles serviceable to humanity than to make later unconscious use of those same principles to advance one's own selfish interests!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It had been easy for me to perceive at a glance that there was likely to be but little mutual sympathy between my father and Mr. Spence, and the consciousness grieved me.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading However, I could not refrain from a few reflections on the apparent hostility of practical men to pure theory, which must after all be the basis of all intelligent action.
which person or people
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why must there needs be mutual disdain and coolness between those who thought and those who acted?
