1849
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
acceptverbUS /ækˈsept/
consider or hold as true
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
actedverbUS /ˈæktɪd/
past form of “act” — perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
amountsnounUS /əˈmaʊnts/
plural of “amount” — a quantity of money
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
armnounUS /ɑːrm/
a human limb; technically the part of the superior limb between the shoulder and the elbow but commonly used to refer to the whole superior limb
From this reading The standing army is only an arm of the standing government.
armynounUS /ˈɑːrmi/
a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
broughtverbUS /brɔːt/
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
CarriedverbUS /ˈkærid/
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
CiviladjectiveUS /ˈsɪvəl/
applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
deserveverbUS /dɪˈzɜːrv/
be worthy or deserving
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
DisobediencenounUS /ˌdɪsəˈbiːdiəns/
the failure to obey
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
DutynounUS /ˈduːti/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
expedientadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspiːdiənt/
serving to promote your interest
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
GovernmentnounUS /ˈɡʌvərmənt/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
governmentsnounUS /ˈɡʌvərmənts/
plural of “government” — the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
governsverbUS /ˈɡʌvərnz/
third-person singular of “govern” — bring into conformity with rules or principles or usage; impose regulations
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
heartilyadverbUS /ˈhɑːrtəli/
with gusto and without reservation
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
inexpedientadjective
not suitable or advisable
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
lastadjectiveUS /læst/
immediately past
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
leastadjectiveUS /liːst/
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
mottonounUS /ˈmɑːtoʊ/
a favorite saying of a sect or political group
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
objectionsnounUS /əbˈdʒekʃənz/
plural of “objection” — the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading The standing army is only an arm of the standing government.
originaladjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
preparedadjectiveUS /priˈperd/
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
prevailverbUS /prɪˈveɪl/
be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
rapidlyadverbUS /ˈræpədli/
with speed
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
ResistancenounUS /rɪˈzɪstəns/
the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
seeverbUS /siː/
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
standingadjectiveUS /ˈstændɪŋ/
having a supporting base
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
systematicallyadverbUS /ˌsɪstəˈmætɪkli/
in a systematic or consistent manner
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
titlenounUS /ˈtaɪtəl/
a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
usuallyadverbUS /ˈjuːʒəwəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.
weightyadjectiveUS /ˈweɪti/
having relatively great weight; heavy
From this reading The objections which have been brought against a standing army, and they are many and weighty, and deserve to prevail, may also at last be brought against a standing government.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On the Duty of Civil Disobedience 1849, original title: Resistance to Civil Government I heartily accept the motto,—“That government is best which governs least;” and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe—“That government is best which governs not at all;” and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.
