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 "Sir--sir, it is a boy!"

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

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

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

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

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

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

a quantity of no importance

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

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

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

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

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

a youthful male person

From this reading "Sir--sir, it is a boy!"

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

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

take exception to

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

a young person of either sex

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

the extent downward or backward or inward

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

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

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

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

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

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

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

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

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

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

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

a search for knowledge

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

formal systematic questioning

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

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

From this reading "Sir--sir, it is a boy!"

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "Sir--sir, it is a boy!"

possessive form of “johnson” — English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

and nothing more

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

plural of “lie” — a statement that deviates from or perverts the truth

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

an animal that produces gametes (spermatozoa) that can fertilize female gametes

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

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

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

a condition requiring relief

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

of or relating to philosophy or philosophers

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

of or relating to the biological study of physiology

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

mental or emotional as opposed to physical in nature

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

filled with bewilderment

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

done under pressure

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

plural of “sage” — a mentor in spiritual and philosophical topics who is renowned for profound wisdom

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

filled with satisfaction

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

with respect to science; in a scientific way

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

past form of “side” — take sides for or against

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

term of address for a man

From this reading "Sir--sir, it is a boy!"

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

not in physical motion

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

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

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

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

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

not enlightened; ignorant

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "A boy," said my father, looking up from his book, and evidently much puzzled: "what is a boy?"

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

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

which person or people

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

in the company of; together with

From this reading But for aught I know, my father may have been satisfied with Buffon on that score, or he may have sided with Monboddo.

an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Now my father did not mean by that interrogatory to challenge philosophical inquiry, nor to demand of the honest but unenlightened woman who had just rushed into his study, a solution of that mystery, physiological and psychological, which has puzzled so many curious sages, and lies still involved in the question, "What is man?"

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading For as we need not look further than Dr. Johnson's Dictionary to know that a boy is "a male child,"--i.e., the male young of man,--so he who would go to the depth of things, and know scientifically what is a boy, must be able to ascertain "what is a man."