be in accord; be in agreement
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
(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 IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
for the reason that
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
carcassesnounUS /ˈkɑːrkəsɪz/
plural of “carcass” — the dead body of an animal especially one slaughtered and dressed for food
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
ceremoniesnounUS /ˈserəmoʊniz/
plural of “ceremony” — a formal event performed on a special occasion
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
commonlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːmənli/
under normal conditions
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
conjecturenounUS /kənˈdʒektʃər/
a hypothesis that has been formed by speculating or conjecturing (usually with little hard evidence)
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
consumeverbUS /kənˈsuːm/
eat up completely, as with great appetite
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
without stop or interruption
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
continuesverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːz/
third-person singular of “continue” — continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
corruptionnounUS /kərˈʌpʃən/
lack of integrity or honesty (especially susceptibility to bribery); use of a position of trust for dishonest gain
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
customsnounUS /ˈkʌstəmz/
money collected under a tariff
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
decentadjectiveUS /ˈdiːsənt/
socially or conventionally correct; refined or virtuous
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
dictateverbUS /dɪkˈteɪt/
issue commands or orders for
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
DISCOURSESnounUS /dɪˈskɔːrsɪz/
plural of “discourse” — extended verbal expression in speech or writing
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
dwellingsnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋz/
plural of “dwelling” — housing that someone is living in
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
EgyptiansnounUS /ɪˈdʒɪpʃənz/
plural of “egyptian” — a native or inhabitant of Egypt
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
eludingnounUS /ɪˈluːdɪŋ/
the act of avoiding capture (especially by cunning)
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
embalmedverbUS /emˈbɑːmd/
past form of “embalm” — preserve a dead body
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
embalmingverbUS /emˈbɑːmɪŋ/
-ing form of “embalm” — preserve a dead body
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
expensivelyadverbUS /ˌekˈspensɪvli/
in an expensive manner
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
start firing a weapon
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
honourableadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnərəbəl/
worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
IMLAC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
mingleverbUS /ˈmɪŋɡəl/
to bring or combine together or with something else
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
nationsnounUS /ˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
many times at short intervals
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
and nothing more
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
preserveverbUS /prəˈzɜːrv/
keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
any object that is left unused or still extant
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
removeverbUS /riˈmuːv/
remove something concrete, as by lifting, pushing, or taking off, or remove something abstract
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
repositoriesnounUS /riˈpɑːzətɔːriz/
plural of “repository” — a facility where things can be deposited for storage or safekeeping
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
possessing material wealth
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
ritesnounUS /raɪts/
plural of “rite” — an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
an instance of visual perception
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
in the near future
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
spaciousadjectiveUS /ˈspeɪʃəs/
very large in expanse or scope
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
superstitiousadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs/
showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
express a supposition
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
required or under orders
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
a tendency to express warm and affectionate feeling
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
for that reason; as a result
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading I have long believed that the practice of embalming arose only from tenderness to the remains of relations or friends, and to this opinion I am more inclined, because it seems impossible that this care should have been general: had all the dead been embalmed, their repositories must in time have been more spacious than the dwellings of the living.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
undissolvedadjective
retaining a solid form
From this reading “But it is commonly supposed, that the Egyptians believed the soul to live as long as the body continued undissolved, and therefore tried this method of eluding death.”
not known
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I suppose only the rich or honourable were secured from corruption, and the rest left to the course of nature.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
at the time that
From this reading “The original of ancient customs,” said Imlac, “is commonly unknown, for the practice often continues when the cause has ceased; and concerning superstitious ceremonies it is vain to conjecture, for what reason did not dictate reason cannot explain.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
in the company of; together with
From this reading IMLAC DISCOURSES ON THE NATURE OF THE SOUL “What reason,” said the prince, “can be given, why the Egyptians should thus expensively preserve those carcasses, which some nations consume with fire, others lay to mingle with the earth, and all agree to remove from their sight as soon as decent rites can be performed?”
