Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

(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 But all the while that main purpose will remain clear enough to the judicious.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

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

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

having undesirable or negative qualities

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

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

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

for the reason that

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

plural of “bomb” — an explosive device fused to explode under specific conditions

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

of short duration or distance

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But all the while that main purpose will remain clear enough to the judicious.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

that makes clear

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

rid of obstructions

From this reading But all the while that main purpose will remain clear enough to the judicious.

marked by excessive confidence

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

the effort contributed by a person in bringing about a result

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

past form of “denounce” — speak out against

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

being or moving lower in position or less in some value

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading But all the while that main purpose will remain clear enough to the judicious.

to come or go into

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

inadvertent incorrectness

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

chemical process in which one atom or ion or group changes places with another

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

the state of matter distinguished from the solid and liquid states by: relatively low density and viscosity

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

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

From this reading "For as he thinketh in his heart," said Solomon, "so _is_ he."

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading "For as he thinketh in his heart," said Solomon, "so _is_ he."

plural of “ideal” — the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

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

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

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

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

introducing a different topic

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

not conclusive; not putting an end to doubt or question

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

beyond normal limits

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

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

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

fun characterized by humor

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

marked by the exercise of good judgment or common sense in practical matters

From this reading But all the while that main purpose will remain clear enough to the judicious.

characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

broadly or extravagantly humorous; resembling farce

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

most important element

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

not any; not one

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

occurring from time to time

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

by chance

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

a separate part of a whole

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

plural of “proposition” — (logic) a statement that affirms or denies something and is either true or false

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading But all the while that main purpose will remain clear enough to the judicious.

of or relating to rhetoric

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "For as he thinketh in his heart," said Solomon, "so _is_ he."

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

A legendary king renowned for his wisdom and fabulous hidden mines.

From this reading "For as he thinketh in his heart," said Solomon, "so _is_ he."

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

-ing form of “spoof” — make a parody of

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

the real physical matter of which a person or thing consists

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

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

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

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

From this reading "For as he thinketh in his heart," said Solomon, "so _is_ he."

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

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

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

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

in the direction of

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

third-person singular of “unveil” — remove the veil from

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

a region marking a boundary

From this reading Because, incidentally to its main purpose, it unveils occasional ideas of so inordinate an erroneousness that they verge upon the ludicrous, it will be set down a piece of spoofing, and perhaps denounced as in bad taste.

precisely as stated

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.

during the time that

From this reading But all the while that main purpose will remain clear enough to the judicious.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind The superficial, no doubt, will mistake this little book for a somewhat laborious attempt at jocosity.

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading It is, in brief, the purpose of clarifying the current exchange of rhetorical gas bombs upon the subject of American ideals and the American character, so copious, so cocksure and withal so ill-informed and inconclusive, by putting into plain propositions some of the notions that lie at the heart of those ideals and enter into the very substance of that character.