Chapter XVI

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

(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 "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

characterized by an inability to mask your feelings; not devious

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

for the reason that

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

direct the course of; manage or control

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

(of persons or their actions) able or disposed to inflict pain or suffering

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

to certain extent or degree

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

the quality of being honest

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

with impatience; in an impatient manner

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the sound of laughing

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

past form of “laugh” — produce laughter

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the sound of laughing

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

liberality in bestowing gifts; extremely liberal and generous of spirit

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

a form of address for a man

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

a message that seems to convey no meaning

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

in a cheerful manner

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

United States general who was the first African American to serve as chief of staff; later served as Secretary of State under President George W. Bush (born 1937)

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

the state of being present; current existence

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

a person who is being chased

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

express in words

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

a general conscious awareness

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

the quality of being simple or uncompounded

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

express in speech

From this reading "Speak for yourself," I said.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the quality of being superior

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

the process of shedding tears (usually accompanied by sobs or other inarticulate sounds)

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

in or at that place or location

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

plural of “trait” — a distinguishing feature of your personal nature

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

not embarrassed

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the sensation caused by heat energy

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "They say," pursued the unabashed Marlow, "that we laugh from a sense of superiority.

which person or people

From this reading Therefore, observe, simplicity, honesty, warmth of feeling, delicacy of heart and of conduct, self-confidence, magnanimity are laughed at, because the presence of these traits in a man's character often puts him into difficult, cruel or absurd situations, and makes us, the majority who are fairly free as a rule from these peculiarities, feel pleasantly superior."

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading "I dare say there has been a lot of nonsense written about laughter--and tears, too, for that matter," I said impatiently.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "But have you discovered all these fine things in the story; or has Mr. Powell discovered them to you in his artless talk?

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading "Speak for yourself," I said.