used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
ariseverbUS /ərˈaɪz/
come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
causesnounUS /ˈkɑːzəz/
plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/
under normal conditions
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
connectverbUS /kəˈnekt/
connect, fasten, or put together two or more pieces
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
elementaryadjectiveUS /ˌeləˈmentri/
easy and not involved or complicated
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
past form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
excitantnoun
a drug that temporarily quickens some vital process
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
excitationnounUS /ˌeksaɪˈteɪʃən/
the state of being emotionally aroused and worked up
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
externaladjectiveUS /ɪkˈstɜːrnəl/
happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
facultynounUS /ˈfækəlti/
one of the inherent cognitive or perceptual powers of the mind
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
plural of “finger” — any of the terminal members of the hand (sometimes excepting the thumb)
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
implyverbUS /ˌɪmˈplaɪ/
express or state indirectly
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
inquireverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪr/
address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
intellectualadjectiveUS /ˌɪntəˈlektʃuːəl/
of or associated with or requiring the use of the mind
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
the emotion of great happiness
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
LAUGHABLEadjectiveUS /ˈlæfəbəl/
so unreasonable as to invite derision
From this reading VARIETIES OF THE LAUGHABLE.
the sound of laughing
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
ludicrousadjectiveUS /ˈluːdəkrəs/
broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading VARIETIES OF THE LAUGHABLE.
and nothing more
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
operationnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈeɪʃən/
the state of being in effect or being operative
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
peculiaritynounUS /pɪˌkjuːliˈerəti/
an odd or unusual characteristic
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
perceptionnounUS /pərˈsepʃən/
the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
participate in games or sport
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
processesnounUS /ˈprɑːsesəz/
plural of “process” — a particular course of action intended to achieve a result
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
simpleradjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpələr/
comparative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
specificadjectiveUS /spəˈsɪfɪk/
(sometimes followed by “to”) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading VARIETIES OF THE LAUGHABLE.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The peculiarity in this case is that there is not only an external excitant, such as tickling fingers, but an object of the laughter.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
ticklingnoun
the act of tickling
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
upliftingnounUS /ˈʌplɪftɪŋ/
the rise of something
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
VARIETIESnounUS /vərˈaɪətiz/
plural of “variety” — a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading VARIETIES OF THE LAUGHABLE.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading These do not, it is evident, imply the existence of that specific faculty which we call the perception of the laughable in things, or what is commonly spoken of as the sense of the ludicrous.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the preceding chapter we have examined those early and elementary forms of laughter which arise from the action of such causes as tickling, the attitude of play, and the sudden uplifting in a feeling of joy.
in the company of; together with
From this reading We have now to inquire into the mode of operation of this more intellectual cause of laughter, and to connect it, if possible, with that of the simpler processes of excitation.
