Chapter XVII · Chapter 17

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

(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 But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

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

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

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

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

plural of “attribute” — a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

cause to become awake or conscious

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

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

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

-ing form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

plural of “consideration” — the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading Definition--Difficulties of forming one of Humour.

plural of “definition” — a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

third-person singular of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Definition--Difficulties of forming one of Humour.

plural of “emotion” — any strong feeling

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

containing or characterized by error

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

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

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)

From this reading Definition--Difficulties of forming one of Humour.

serving as an essential component

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

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

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

in a hopeless manner

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

From this reading Definition--Difficulties of forming one of Humour.

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

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

of great significance or value

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

not capable of being carried out or put into practice

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

not capable of being precisely or readily described; not easily put into words

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

immediately past

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

in the recent past

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

without good reason

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

used to form the superlative

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Definition--Difficulties of forming one of Humour.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Definition--Difficulties of forming one of Humour.

and nothing more

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

plural of “periodical” — a publication that appears at fixed intervals

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

plural of “philosopher” — a specialist in philosophy

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

a future prospect or potential

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

a general conscious awareness

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

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

From this reading I think that such an important and fundamental statement as this may be suitably taken into consideration in commencing our examination of the question.

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

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

in the direction of

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

a just detectable amount

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

plural of “view” — a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading As a matter of history, we shall find that it is erroneous, for several great philosophers have given us definitions of the sense of the ludicrous, and few have thought it indefinable.

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

From this reading Some of the considerations towards the end of the last chapter may have led us to conclude that our sense[20] of the ludicrous is not a variety of emotions, but only one; and the possibility of our forming a definition of it depends, not only upon its unity, but upon our being able to trace some common attributes in the circumstances which awaken it.

belonging to which person

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading But in one of the leading periodicals of the day, I lately read the observation--made by a writer whose views should not be lightly regarded--that "all the most profound philosophers have pronounced a definition of humour to be hopelessly impracticable."