Chapter II · Chapter 2

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

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

advance evidence for

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

third-person singular of “afford” — be able to spare or give up

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

(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 That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

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

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

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

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

past form of “associate” — make a logical or causal connection

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

someone who waits on or tends to or attends to the needs of another

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

third-person singular of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

plural of “blessing” — the formal act of approving

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

attractiveness that interests or pleases or stimulates

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

-ing form of “concentrate” — make denser, stronger, or purer

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

a line leading to a place or point

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

determined or actuated by emotion rather than reason

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

plural of “fable” — a deliberately false or improbable account

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

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 The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

usually; as a rule

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

having an easygoing and cheerful disposition

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

proceeding in small stages

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

state of being gratified or satisfied

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

characterized by enmity or ill will

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading ORIGIN OF HUMOUR.

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

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

a positive motivational influence

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

communication between individuals

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

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

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

full of or showing high-spirited merriment

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

used to form the superlative

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ORIGIN OF HUMOUR.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading ORIGIN OF HUMOUR.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

plural of “phase” — any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

plural of “proof” — any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

an Old Testament book consisting of proverbs from various Israeli sages (including Solomon)

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

(Old Testament) a judge of Israel who performed herculean feats of strength against the Philistines until he was betrayed to them by his mistress Delilah

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

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

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

A legendary king renowned for his wisdom and fabulous hidden mines.

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

serving no useful purpose; having no excuse for being

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.

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

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

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

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

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

From this reading The pleasure attendant upon it attracts us together, forms an incentive, and gives a charm to social intercourse, and, unlike the concentrating power of love, scatters bright rays in every direction.

a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Few of the blessings we enjoy are of greater value than the gift of humour.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Pleasure in Humour--What is Laughter?--Sympathy--First Phases--Gradual Development--Emotional Phase--Laughter of Pleasure--Hostile Laughter--Is there any sense of the Ludicrous in the Lower Animals?--Samson--David--Solomon--Proverbs--Fables.

in the company of; together with

From this reading That humour is generally associated with enjoyment might be concluded from the fact that the genial and good-natured are generally the most mirthful, and we all have so much personal experience of the gratification it affords, that it seems superfluous to adduce any proofs upon the subject.