used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
ausnounUS /aʊz/
plural of “au” — a soft yellow malleable ductile (trivalent and univalent) metallic element; occurs mainly as nuggets in rocks and alluvial deposits; does not react with most chemicals but is attacked by chlorine and aqua regia
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
communitynounUS /kəˈmjuːnəti/
a group of people living in a particular local area
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
DasnounUS /dæs/
any of several small ungulate mammals of Africa and Asia with rodent-like incisors and feet with hooflike toes
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
dem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
doctrinenounUS /ˈdɑːktrən/
a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school
From this reading This is the question of a dual doctrine.
dualadjectiveUS /ˈduːəl/
consisting of or involving two parts or components usually in pairs
From this reading This is the question of a dual doctrine.
encourageverbUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒ/
contribute to the progress or growth of
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
enlightenedadjectiveUS /ˌenˈlaɪtənd/
having knowledge and spiritual insight
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
entwickelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
ernounUS /ər/
a trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group; occurs with yttrium
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
ERRORnounUS /ˈerər/
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading OF THE POSSIBLE UTILITY OF ERROR.
existingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/
presently existing
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
expedientadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspiːdiənt/
serving to promote your interest
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
fördert
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
GOETHEnounUS /ɡoʊθ/
German poet and novelist and dramatist who lived in Weimar (1749-1832)
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
indispensably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
a search for knowledge
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
Irrthum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This is the question of a dual doctrine.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
nichts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
nur
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OF THE POSSIBLE UTILITY OF ERROR.
and nothing more
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
openlyadverbUS /ˈoʊpənli/
in an open way
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
outsetnounUS /ˈaʊtset/
the time at which something is supposed to begin
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
overruleverbUS /ˈoʊvərruːl/
rule against
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
plaineradjectiveUS /ˈpleɪnər/
comparative of “plain” — clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading OF THE POSSIBLE UTILITY OF ERROR.
preliminaryadjectiveUS /prɪˈlɪməneri/
denoting an action or event preceding or in preparation for something more important
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
express in words
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
sich
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading OF THE POSSIBLE UTILITY OF ERROR.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This is the question of a dual doctrine.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
being of use or service
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
UTILITYnounUS /juːˈtɪləti/
a company that performs a public service; subject to government regulation
From this reading OF THE POSSIBLE UTILITY OF ERROR.
variancenounUS /ˈveriəns/
an event that departs from expectations
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
verwickeltuns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
Wahre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Das Wahre fördert; aus dem Irrthum entwickelt sich nichts, er verwickeltuns nur.--_ GOETHE.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
in the company of; together with
From this reading At the outset of an inquiry how far existing facts ought to be allowed to overrule ideas and principles that are at variance with them, a preliminary question lies in our way, about which it may be well to say something.
the words that are spoken
From this reading In plainer words, the question whether it is expedient that the more enlightened classes in a community should upon system not only possess their light in silence, but whether they should openly encourage a doctrine for the less enlightened classes which they do not believe to be true for themselves, while they regard it as indispensably useful in the case of less fortunate people.
