Chapter III · Chapter 3

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

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

move forward, also in the metaphorical sense

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

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

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

plural of “appearance” — outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

fully understood or grasped

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

a genus of Trochilidae

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

an ancient Greek dramatist remembered for his comedies (448-380 BC)

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

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

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

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

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

plural of “connection” — a relation between things or events (as in the case of one causing the other or sharing features with it)

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

Greek philosopher who developed an atomistic theory of matter (460-370 BC)

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

past form of “deride” — treat or speak of with contempt

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

an ancient Greek philosopher and Cynic who rejected social conventions (circa 400-325 BC)

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

the act of discovering something

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

serious weakening and loss of energy

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

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 This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading GREEK HUMOUR.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

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

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

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

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

full of or characterized by humor

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading GREEK HUMOUR.

the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

the doctrine that representations of nature or human behavior should be accurate imitations

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

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

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

the trait of being indelicate and offensive

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

past form of “invent” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

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

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

plural of “jest” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

the force of workers available

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

combine by multiplication

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

something you have to do

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

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

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

plural of “parasite” — an animal or plant that lives in or on a host (another animal or plant); it obtains nourishment from the host without benefiting or killing the host

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

an amount of time

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

plural of “personality” — the complex of all the attributes--behavioral, temperamental, emotional and mental--that characterize a unique individual

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

a specialist in philosophy

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

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

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

-ing form of “reproduce” — make a copy or equivalent of

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

plural of “riddle” — a difficult problem

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

cut with a saw

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

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

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

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

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

in the near future

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

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 Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

express a supposition

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

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

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Birth of Humour--Personalities--Story of Hippocleides--Origin of Comedy--Archilochus--Hipponax--Democritus, the Laughing Philosopher--Aristophanes--Humour of the Senses--Indelicacy--Enfeeblement of the Drama--Humorous Games--Parasites, their Position and Jests--Philoxenus--Diogenes--Court of Humour--Riddles--Silli.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

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

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading This discovery was soon improved upon, and by aid of imagination and memory, as opportunities offered, certain connections and appearances were represented under a great variety of forms.

precisely as stated

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

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

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

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

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

which person or people

From this reading There is every reason to suppose that a very considerable period elapsed before any progress was made in advance of the ludicrous, but at length by those who appreciated it strongly, and saw it in things in which it did not appear to others, humorous devices were invented from a growing desire to multiply the occasions for enjoyment.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.

but in spite of that

From this reading Observation and our power of imitation provided the means, and men of humour employed themselves in reproducing some ludicrous situations; and thus, instead of things derided being as previously wholly separate from those who derided them, a man could laugh, and yet be the cause of laughter to others.