Chapter XI · Chapter 11

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

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

fully understood or grasped

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

the event of one object coming closer to another

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

for the reason that

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

-ing form of “betray” — reveal unintentionally

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a manservant (usually the head servant of a household) who has charge of wines and the table

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

carefully weighed

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

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

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

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

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

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

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

the outstanding poet and dramatist of the Restoration (1631-1700)

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

daughter of George VI who became the Queen of England and Northern Ireland in 1952 on the death of her father (1926-)

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

devoid of good sense or judgment

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

plural of “fool” — a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

usually; as a rule

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

plural of “gift” — something acquired without compensation

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

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

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

not in action or at work

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

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

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

give free rein to

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

the state of being weak in health or body (especially from old age)

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

plural of “jester” — a professional clown employed to entertain a king or nobleman in the Middle Ages

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

the sound of laughing

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

move something or somebody to a lower position

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

engage in

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

the force of workers available

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a message that seems to convey no meaning

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

third-person singular of “observe” — discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

the parity of odd numbers (not divisible by two)

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

many times at short intervals

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

and nothing more

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

an agreeable or amusing remark

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

professing to be qualified

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

of or characteristic of a child

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

plural of “puritan” — a member of a group of English Protestants who in the 16th and 17th centuries thought that the Protestant Reformation under Elizabeth was incomplete and advocated the simplification and regulation of forms of worship

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

inspiring scornful pity

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a city in western New York; a center of the photographic equipment industry

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

express in words

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

showing reason or sound judgment

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

natural abilities or qualities

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

in or at that place or location

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

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

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading Professed fools seem to have been highly appreciated in the time of Shakespeare.

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

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

leaves of the tobacco plant dried and prepared for smoking or ingestion

From this reading Jesters--Court of Queen Elizabeth--James I.--The "Counterblasts to Tobacco"--Puritans--Charles II.--Rochester--Buckingham--Dryden--Butler.

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

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

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

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.

at the time that

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

which person or people

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter

From this reading Addison observes that, "when a man of wit makes us laugh, it is by betraying some oddness or infirmity in his own character," and at the present day, not only do those who indulge much in humour often say things approaching nonsense, and make themselves in other ways ridiculous, but their object, being entirely idle diversion and pleasantry, appears foolish and puerile.

the basic human power of intelligent thought and perception

From this reading Nor had they great talent, their gifts being generally lower than those of our professed wits.

but in spite of that

From this reading They do not correspond to our modern idea of a fool, because there was intention in their actions, and yet we could not have considered them to be really sensible men.