Chapter V · Theory and Practice

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

in actual fact

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

(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 He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

being ahead of time or need

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading “Are you sure you can make charcoal?” said James.

-ing form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

an occurrence of something

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

a carbonaceous material obtained by heating wood or other organic matter in the absence of air

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

having or marked by confidence or assurance

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

putting a condemned person to death

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

set up or found

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

engage in

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

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 He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

not any; not one

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

come to pass

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

and nothing more

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

subject to a process or treatment, with the aim of readying for some purpose, improving, or remedying a condition

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

Norse chieftain who became the first duke of Normandy (860-931)

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Are you sure you can make charcoal?” said James.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

with success; in a successful manner

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading “Are you sure you can make charcoal?” said James.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

in theory; according to the assumed facts

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

a special situation

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Rollo and James found this to be the case, in their efforts to make charcoal.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

the cognitive condition of someone who understands

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

precisely as stated

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

which person or people

From this reading There is a great difference between understanding theoretically how a thing is done, and being able actually to do it; for, in practice, various difficulties are apt to occur, which are not foreseen by one who knows only the theory.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Rollo felt very confident that he understood the whole process perfectly, and that he should find no difficulty whatever in carrying it through successfully.

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was not aware how many difficulties occur in the practical execution of what appears beforehand to be attended with no difficulty at all.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading “Are you sure you can make charcoal?” said James.