used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
(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 Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OCCASIONS AND CAUSES OF LAUGHTER.
move towards
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
assumptionnounUS /əˈsʌmpʃən/
a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
CAUSESnounUS /ˈkɑːzəz/
plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading OCCASIONS AND CAUSES OF LAUGHTER.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
comprehensiveadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhensɪv/
including all or everything
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
desirableadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəbəl/
worth having or seeking or achieving
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
drolladjectiveUS /droʊl/
comical in an odd or whimsical manner
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
something many people believe that is false
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
hintedverbUS /ˈhɪntəd/
past form of “hint” — drop a hint; intimate by a hint
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
initialnounUS /ˌɪˈnɪʃəl/
the first letter of a word (especially a person's name)
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
large or big relative to something else
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
the sound of laughing
From this reading OCCASIONS AND CAUSES OF LAUGHTER.
ludicrousadjectiveUS /ˈluːdəkrəs/
broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
mirthfuladjective
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
modesnounUS /moʊdz/
plural of “mode” — how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
much-discussed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
narroweradjectiveUS /ˈneroʊər/
comparative of “narrow” — not wide
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
something you have to do
From this reading OCCASIONS AND CAUSES OF LAUGHTER.
occursverbUS /əˈkɜːrz/
third-person singular of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OCCASIONS AND CAUSES OF LAUGHTER.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
a judge of a probate court
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
outburstnounUS /ˈaʊtbɜːrst/
an unrestrained expression of emotion
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
presentationnounUS /ˌprezənˈteɪʃən/
the activity of formally presenting something (as a prize or reward)
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
processverbUS /ˈprɑːses/
subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
productionnounUS /prəˈdʌkʃən/
the act or process of producing something
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
provocativeadjectiveUS /proʊˈvɑːkətɪv/
serving or tending to provoke, excite, or stimulate; stimulating discussion or exciting controversy
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
representativenounUS /ˌreprəˈzentətɪv/
a person who represents others
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
sense-presentation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
express in speech
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading According to the common assumption, laughter, in ordinary cases, is excited by some provocative, to speak more precisely, by some sense-presentation, or its representative idea, such as a “funny” sensation, the sight of a droll human figure, or a quaint fancy.
carry out
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It seemed desirable to examine the process of laughter itself before taking up the much-discussed question of its causes.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading In considering this side of our subject, we shall, as already hinted, take a comprehensive view of the occasions and modes of production of the mirthful outburst, and approach the narrower problem of the nature and mode of action of the ludicrous by way of this larger inquiry.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet we must not assume that such an initial presentation occurs in all cases.
