1749
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 1749.
5
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LONDON, December 5, O. S.
absurdlyadverbUS /əbˈsɜːrdli/
in an absurd manner or to an absurd degree
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
actverbUS /ækt/
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
actu
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
agreeverbUS /əˈɡriː/
be in accord; be in agreement
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
allowverbUS /əˈlaʊ/
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
animalnounUS /ˈænəməl/
a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
bipes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
BOYnounUS /bɔɪ/
a youthful male person
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
charactersnounUS /ˈkærəktərz/
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
cloisteredadjectiveUS /ˈklɔɪstərd/
of communal life sequestered from the world under religious vows
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
creaturesnounUS /ˈkriːtʃərz/
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
DEARadjectiveUS /dɪr/
dearly loved
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
DecembernounUS /dɪˈsembər/
the last (12th) month of the year
From this reading LONDON, December 5, O. S.
decisivelyadverbUS /dɪˈsaɪsɪvli/
with firmness
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
entirelyadverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪərli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
findverbUS /faɪnd/
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
formsnounUS /fɔːrmz/
plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
grosslyadverbUS /ˈɡroʊsli/
in a gross manner
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
HannibalnounUS /ˈhænɪbəl/
general who commanded the Carthaginian army in the second Punic War; crossed the Alps and defeated the Romans but was recalled to defend Carthage and was defeated (247-182 BC)
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
implume
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
instructverbUS /ˌɪnˈstrʌkt/
impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
knowverbUS /noʊ/
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
logicnounUS /ˈlɑːdʒɪk/
the branch of philosophy that analyzes inference
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
LONDONnounUS /ˈlʌndən/
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading LONDON, December 5, O. S.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
mannersnounUS /ˈmænərz/
social deportment
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
mistakenadjectiveUS /mɪˈsteɪkən/
wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
ninenounUS /naɪn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
OnounUS /oʊ/
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading LONDON, December 5, O. S.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
pedantnounUS /ˈpedənt/
a person who pays more attention to formal rules and book learning than they merit
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
politicsnounUS /ˈpɑːlətɪks/
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
primonounUS /ˈpriːmoʊ/
the principal part of a duet (especially a piano duet)
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
rationaladjectiveUS /ˈræʃ.ən.əl/
Based on or in accordance with reason or logic rather than turbulent emotions.
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
rationalenounUS /ˌræʃəˈnæl/
(law) an explanation of the fundamental reasons (especially an explanation of the working of some device in terms of laws of nature)
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
rationallyadverbUS /ˈræʃənəli/
in a rational manner
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
risibile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
SnounUS /es/
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading LONDON, December 5, O. S.
secundo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
seldomadverbUS /ˈseldəm/
not often
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
solitaryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləteri/
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
speculativeadjectiveUS /ˈspekjələtɪv/
not financially safe or secure
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
supposeverbUS /səˈpoʊz/
express a supposition
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
suppositionnounUS /ˌsʌpəˈzɪʃən/
a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
systemsnounUS /ˈsɪstəmz/
plural of “system” — instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
talkverbUS /tɔːk/
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
talkedverbUS /tɔːkt/
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
tennounUS /ten/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
ThosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
ThusadverbUS /ðʌs/
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That man is, 'animal bipes, implume, risibile', I entirely agree; but for the 'rationale', I can only allow it him 'in actu primo' (to talk logic) and seldom in 'actu secundo'.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
warnounUS /wɔːr/
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading DEAR BOY: Those who suppose that men in general act rationally, because they are called rational creatures, know very little of the world, and if they act themselves upon that supposition, will nine times in ten find themselves grossly mistaken.
writesverbUS /raɪts/
third-person singular of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading Thus, the speculative, cloistered pedant, in his solitary cell, forms systems of things as they should be, not as they are; and writes as decisively and absurdly upon war, politics, manners, and characters, as that pedant talked, who was so kind as to instruct Hannibal in the art of war.
