46
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
allusionsnounUS /əˈluːʒənz/
plural of “allusion” — passing reference or indirect mention
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
BaconnounUS /ˈbeɪkən/
back and sides of a hog salted and dried or smoked; usually sliced thin and fried
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
basedadjectiveUS /beɪst/
having a base
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
any cognitive content held as true
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/
plural of “century” — a period of 100 years
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
conceivedverbUS /kənˈsiːvd/
past form of “conceive” — have the idea for
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
-ing form of “consider” — deem to be
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
countriesnounUS /ˈkʌntriz/
plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
creditedadjectiveUS /ˈkredətəd/
(usually followed by “to”) given credit for
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
creednounUS /kriːd/
any system of principles or beliefs
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
estimatenounUS /ˈestəmət/
an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
extensivelyadverbUS /ɪkˈstensɪvli/
in a widespread way
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
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 years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
Francis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
destroyed or killed
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
highest in quality
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
grossest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
infernaladjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɜːrnəl/
characteristic of or resembling Hell
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
the force of workers available
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
a form of address for a man
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
occurrencenounUS /əˈkɜːrəns/
an event that happens
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
and nothing more
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
an amount of time
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/
plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
a future prospect or potential
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
prevailedverbUS /prɪˈveɪld/
past form of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
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 Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
relieve from
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
seventeenthadjectiveUS /ˈsevənˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the sixteenth in position
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
ShakespearenounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːr/
English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
sixteenthadjectiveUS /sɪkˈstiːnθ/
coming next after the fifteenth in position
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
superstitionnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/
an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
surprisingadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/
causing surprise or wonder or amazement
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is not surprising that Shakespeare should have made frequent allusions to this popular belief, considering how extensively it prevailed in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries; the religious and dramatic literature of the period being full of it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
theoreticaladjectiveUS /ˌθiːərˈetɪkəl/
concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
vulgaradjectiveUS /ˈvʌlɡər/
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
at the time that
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Thus, Francis Bacon was “not able to get rid of the principles upon which the creed was based.
WilliamsnounUS /ˈwɪljəmz/
United States country singer and songwriter (1923-1953)
From this reading Indeed, as Mr. Williams[46] points out, “what the vulgar superstition must have been may be easily conceived, when men of the greatest genius or learning credited the possibility, and not only a theoretical but possible occurrence, of these infernal phenomena.”
witchcraftnounUS /ˈwɪtʃkræft/
the art of sorcery
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
WITCHESnounUS /ˈwɪtʃəz/
plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician
From this reading WITCHES.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
a late time of life
From this reading In years gone by witchcraft was one of the grossest forms of superstition, and it would be difficult to estimate the extent of its influence in this and other countries.
