used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
anti-social
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
ateleological
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
behavingverbUS /bɪˈheɪvɪŋ/
-ing form of “behave” — behave in a certain manner; show a certain behavior; conduct or comport oneself
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
the act of breaking something
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
burlesquenounUS /bərˈlesk/
a theatrical entertainment of broad and earthy humor; consists of comic skits and short turns (and sometimes striptease)
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
an occurrence of something
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
castigator
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
censornounUS /ˈsensər/
someone who censures or condemns
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/
the act of examining resemblances
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
consciouslyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnʃəsli/
with awareness
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
conventionnounUS /kənˈvenʃən/
a large formal assembly
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading THE HUMORIST Humour is the instrument of the critic.
criticismnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
disgracefuladjectiveUS /dɪsˈɡreɪsfəl/
giving offense to moral sensibilities and injurious to reputation
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
apart from; not including
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
failsverbUS /feɪlz/
third-person singular of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
HUMORISTnounUS /ˈhjuːmərəst/
someone who acts speaks or writes in an amusing way
From this reading THE HUMORIST Humour is the instrument of the critic.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading THE HUMORIST Humour is the instrument of the critic.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
instrumentnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənt/
a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading THE HUMORIST Humour is the instrument of the critic.
irresistibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪrɪˈzɪstəbəl/
impossible to resist; overpowering
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HUMORIST Humour is the instrument of the critic.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
the sound of laughing
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
engage in
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/
concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
moralsnounUS /ˈmɔːrəlz/
motivation based on ideas of right and wrong
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
kill intentionally and with premeditation
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HUMORIST Humour is the instrument of the critic.
and nothing more
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
positiveadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːzətɪv/
characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
practicesnounUS /ˈpræktəsəz/
plural of “practice” — a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
psychologicaladjectiveUS /ˌsaɪkəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
mental or emotional as opposed to physical in nature
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
strivenverbUS /ˈstrɪvən/
inflected form of “strive” — attempt by employing effort
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
required or under orders
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
targetnounUS /ˈtɑːrɡət/
a reference point to shoot at
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
teleologicaladjectiveUS /ˌtiːliəˈlɔːdʒɪkəl/
of or relating to teleology
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HUMORIST Humour is the instrument of the critic.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading If the psychological explanation of laughter be, as some have supposed, the sight of "a teleological being suddenly behaving in an ateleological manner," then the mere act of laughter is in itself an act of comparison and of criticism.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
treasonnounUS /ˈtriːzən/
a crime that undermines the offender's government
From this reading Except in the case of positive crime, for example, murder or treason, the true instrument of the censor is burlesque.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading The true castigator of morals has never striven to make his subjects appear disgraceful, but to make them appear ridiculous.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
at the time that
From this reading It fails him only when his subject is consciously and deliberately breaking a moral law: it is irresistible when its target is a false moral law or convention of morals set up to protect anti-social practices.
