18th
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
for the reason that
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But if certain experiments could be made....
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
a period of 100 years
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading But if certain experiments could be made....
classificationnounUS /ˌklæsəfəˈkeɪʃən/
the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But if certain experiments could be made....
criterionnounUS /kraɪˈtɪriən/
a basis for comparison; a reference point against which other things can be evaluated
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
degreesnounUS /dɪˈɡriːz/
plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
discardedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɑːrdɪd/
thrown away
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
environmentnounUS /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
the totality of surrounding conditions
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
experimentnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənt/
the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
experimentsnounUS /ɪkˈsperəmənts/
plural of “experiment” — the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
From this reading But if certain experiments could be made....
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
foresawverbUS /ˌfɔːrˈsɔː/
inflected form of “foresee” — realize beforehand
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
hereditynounUS /hərˈedəti/
the biological process whereby genetic factors are transmitted from one generation to the next
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But if certain experiments could be made....
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
insufficientadjectiveUS /ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃənt/
of a quantity not able to fulfill a need or requirement
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
JonathannounUS /ˈdʒɑːnəθən/
red late-ripening apple; primarily eaten raw
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
Lamarck's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading But if certain experiments could be made....
manipulationnounUS /məˌnɪpjəˈleɪʃən/
exerting shrewd or devious influence especially for one's own advantage
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
not any; not one
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
phenomenanounUS /fəˈnɑːmənə/
plural of “phenomenon” — any state or process known through the senses rather than by intuition or reasoning
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
predictabilitynounUS /prɪˌdɪktəˈbɪlɪti/
the quality of being predictable
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
RobertsonnounUS /ˈrɑːbərtsən/
United States basketball guard (born in 1938)
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
ScientificadjectiveUS /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/
of or relating to the practice of science
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
seemingadjectiveUS /ˈsiːmɪŋ/
appearing as such but not necessarily so
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
and nothing more
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
relating to human society and its members
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
sustainverbUS /səˈsteɪn/
lengthen or extend in duration or space
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
carry out
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
theoriesnounUS /ˈθɪriz/
plural of “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 Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Take Lamarck's theories on the effect of environment on heredity; so far, the evidence seems to put this in the "bad" classification.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
usefulnessnounUS /ˈjuːsfəlnəs/
the quality of being of practical use
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Scientific theories are never "true or "false"; they are "good" or "bad" in various degrees, and the criterion is one of usefulness--predictability and manipulation to (seeming) advantage.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
in or at the place that
From this reading Theories are often discarded, simply because evidence may be insufficient for one, where it seems to sustain another--or where another can account for observed phenomena more simply.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading No one foresaw what would come of the social experiment Jonathan Robertson started early in the 18th Century, on this little island.
