used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
abilitiesnounUS /əˈbɪlətiːz/
plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
united by being of the same opinion
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
(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 This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
in addition
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
assented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
earlier than; in front of
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
a natural or artificial enclosed space
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
constitutesverbUS /ˈkɑːnstətuːts/
third-person singular of “constitute” — form or compose
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
give a description of
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
discoursing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
doubtsnounUS /daʊts/
plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
EpistlenounUS /ɪˈpɪsəl/
a specially long, formal letter
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
ESSAYnounUS /eˈseɪ/
an analytic or interpretive literary composition
From this reading ESSAY ON THE HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
examineverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪn/
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
fittedadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtəd/
being the right size and shape to fit as desired
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
set up or found
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
HUMANadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading ESSAY ON THE HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
indicateverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪt/
be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
inquirynounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪriː/
a search for knowledge
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
LockenounUS /lɑːk/
English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
Locke's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
meritnounUS /ˈmerət/
any admirable quality or attribute
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
absolutely essential
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
plural of “object” — a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ESSAY ON THE HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
and nothing more
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
originalitynounUS /ərˌɪdʒəˈnælɪti/
the ability to think and act independently
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
perplexedadjectiveUS /pərˈplekst/
full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
philosophernounUS /fəˈlɑːsəfər/
a specialist in philosophy
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
filled with bewilderment
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
with speed
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
without much difficulty
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
remoteadjectiveUS /rɪˈmoʊt/
located far away spatially
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
a formal expression by a meeting; agreed to by a vote
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
plural of “say” — the chance to speak
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading This passage may serve not only to describe the occasion of Locke's _Essay_, but also to indicate the circumstance which constitutes the peculiar merit and originality of Locke as a philosopher.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
be standing; be upright
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
express in words
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ESSAY ON THE HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
an old word for “you”, as the object, speaking to one person
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
thereupon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
a source of difficulty
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading ESSAY ON THE HUMAN UNDERSTANDING.
understandingsnounUS /ˌʌndərˈstændɪŋz/
plural of “understanding” — the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
precisely as stated
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
Wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
which person or people
From this reading This I proposed to the company, who all readily assented; and thereupon it was agreed that this should be our first inquiry."
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Were it fit to trouble thee," says Locke in his Epistle to the Reader, "with the history of this _Essay_, I should tell thee that five or six friends meeting at my chamber, and discoursing on a subject very remote from this, found themselves quickly at a stand by the difficulties that rose on every side.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading After we had a while puzzled ourselves, without coming any nearer a resolution of those doubts which perplexed us, it came into my thoughts that we took a wrong course; and that, before we set ourselves upon inquiries of that nature, it was necessary to examine our own abilities, and see what objects our understandings were or were not fitted to deal with.
