used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
anew
From this reading Here again, the meanings are derived from an examination of the context.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Here again, the meanings are derived from an examination of the context.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
(usually followed by “of”) having capacity or ability
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
a state at a particular time
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
contextnounUS /ˈkɑːntekst/
discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
contextsnounUS /ˈkɑːnteksts/
plural of “context” — discourse that surrounds a language unit and helps to determine its interpretation
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
derivedadjectiveUS /dərˈaɪvd/
formed or developed from something else; not original
From this reading Here again, the meanings are derived from an examination of the context.
differverbUS /ˈdɪfər/
be different
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
elementnounUS /ˈeləmənt/
an abstract part of something
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
divisible by two
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading Here again, the meanings are derived from an examination of the context.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
fluidnounUS /ˈfluːəd/
a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Here again, the meanings are derived from an examination of the context.
fundamentaladjectiveUS /ˌfʌndəˈmentəl/
serving as an essential component
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
the act of giving
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here again, the meanings are derived from an examination of the context.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
instancesnounUS /ˈɪnstənsəz/
plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
investigationnounUS /ˌɪnvestəˈɡeɪʃən/
an inquiry into unfamiliar or questionable activities
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
meaningsnounUS /ˈmiːnɪŋz/
plural of “meaning” — the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading Here again, the meanings are derived from an examination of the context.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
not any; not one
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
nounsnounUS /naʊnz/
plural of “noun” — a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
OVERLAPPINGnounUS /ˈoʊvərlæpɪŋ/
covering with a design in which one element covers a part of another (as with tiles or shingles)
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
parallelnounUS /ˈperəlel/
something having the property of being analogous to something else
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
plural of “point” — a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
Identical; not different.
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
stableadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪbəl/
resistant to change of position or condition
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
stemnounUS /stem/
(linguistics) the form of a word after all affixes are removed
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
with strength or in a strong manner
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
suffixnounUS /ˈsʌfɪks/
an affix that is added at the end of the word
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
SUFFIXES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
tendencynounUS /ˈtendənsi/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
in or at that place or location
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
variationnounUS /ˌveriˈeɪʃən/
an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
variationsnounUS /ˌveriˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “variation” — an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
precisely as stated
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
warrantnounUS /ˈwɔːrənt/
a writ from a court commanding police to perform specified acts
From this reading Sometimes the contexts are exactly parallel, at other times there is a sufficiently large element common to both to warrant us in saying that the nouns do not, at least in these particular instances, differ in meaning.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading OVERLAPPING OF SUFFIXES However great a tendency the suffixes under investigation have toward giving to the nouns a certain meaning, the variations of which they are capable,--due, as has been shown, to stem and context,--strongly suggest that there can be nothing very stable in the suffix itself.
in the company of; together with
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
the words that are spoken
From this reading But a consideration which points even more to the comparatively fluid condition of these suffixes is the fact that we find other words, formed on the same stem, but with a different suffix, meaning precisely the same as the nouns made with these suffixes.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If there really were a fundamental meaning in the suffixes, there would be no such variation as we find.
