used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/
gotten through environmental forces
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
analyseverb
consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
react verbally
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
definableadjectiveUS /dɪˈfaɪnəbəl/
capable of being defined, limited, or explained
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
descend in free fall under the influence of gravity
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
something many people believe that is false
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
gravitynounUS /ˈɡrævəti/
(physics) the force of attraction between all masses in the universe; especially the attraction of the earth's mass for bodies near its surface
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
LockenounUS /lɑːk/
English empiricist philosopher who believed that all knowledge is derived from sensory experience (1632-1704)
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
maintainedadjectiveUS /meɪnˈteɪnd/
kept in good condition
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
a form of address for a man
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
musclesnounUS /ˈmʌsəlz/
plural of “muscle” — one of the contractile organs of the body
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
and nothing more
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
particularsnounUS /pərˈtɪkjələrz/
plural of “particular” — a fact about some part (as opposed to general)
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
plainest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
reducibleadjectiveUS /rəˈduːsəbəl/
capable of being reduced
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
rulesnounUS /ruːlz/
plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
a general conscious awareness
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
strictlyadverbUS /ˈstrɪktli/
restricted to something
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
tactnounUS /tækt/
consideration in dealing with others and avoiding giving offense
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
carry out
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
in or at that place or location
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
a special situation
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
undefinableadjective
not capable of being precisely or readily described; not easily put into words
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
the act of traveling by foot
From this reading And the answer is, ‘If you do not know the muscles by the help of which you walk, how is it you do not fall down at every step you take?’
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We hear it maintained by people of more gravity than understanding, that genius and taste are strictly reducible to rules, and that there is a rule for every thing.
well-foundedadjective
based on sound reasoning or evidence
From this reading In art, in taste, in life, in speech, you decide from feeling, and not from reason; that is, from the impression of a number of things on the mind, which impression is true and well-founded, though you may not be able to analyse or account for it in the several particulars.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading So far is it from being true that the finest breath of fancy is a definable thing, that the plainest common sense is only what Mr. Locke would have called a _mixed mode_, subject to a particular sort of acquired and undefinable tact.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading It is asked, ‘If you do not know the rule by which a thing is done, how can you be sure of doing it a second time?’
