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 An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

the mental attitude that something is believable and should be accepted as true

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

aimlessly drifting

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

expel from a community or group

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

an ability to understand the meaning or importance of something (or the knowledge acquired as a result)

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

law determining the fundamental political principles of a government

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

make right or correct

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

plural of “delusion” — (psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

give, sell, or transfer to another

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

inspired with confidence

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

set up or found

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

your basis for belief or disbelief; knowledge on which to base belief

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

to certain extent or degree

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

-ing form of “flounder” — walk with great difficulty

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

(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 An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

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

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

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

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

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

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

and nothing more

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

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 Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

the force of workers available

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

used to form the superlative

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

plural of “multitude” — a large indefinite number

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading If it has not encouraged it, has it done much to correct it?

not one thing; not anything

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

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

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

a judge of a probate court

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

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

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

plural of “politician” — a leader engaged in civil administration

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

make reference to

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

not used up

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

a thing, without saying which

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

that is looked for

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

plural of “suggestion” — an idea that is suggested

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

trying something to find out about it

From this reading The other test of popular education is in the kind of reading sought and enjoyed by the majority of the American people.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading How far is our popular education, which we have now enjoyed for two full generations, responsible for this state of mind?

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

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Multitudes of fairly intelligent people are afloat without any base-line of thought to which they can refer new suggestions; just as many politicians are floundering about for want of an apprehension of the Constitution of the United States and of the historic development of society.

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

From this reading An honest acceptance of the law of gravitation would banish many popular delusions; a comprehension that something cannot be made out of nothing would dispose of others; and the application of the ordinary principles of evidence, such as men require to establish a title to property, would end most of the remaining.