inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
accuratelyadverbUS /ˈækjərətli/
with few mistakes
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
presently existing in fact and not merely potential or possible
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
adequatelyadverbUS /ˈædəkwətli/
in an adequate manner or to an adequate degree
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
affirmednounUS /əˈfɜːrmd/
thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1978
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
attainedadjectiveUS /əˈteɪnd/
achieved or reached
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
author'snounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
possessive form of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
bloatverbUS /bloʊt/
become bloated or swollen or puff up
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
assets available for use in the production of further assets
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
the person or thing chosen or selected
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
rid of obstructions
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
something that interests you because it is important or affects you
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
connotesverbUS /kəˈnoʊts/
third-person singular of “connote” — express or state indirectly
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
denotesverbUS /dɪˈnoʊts/
third-person singular of “denote” — be a sign or indication of
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
derivationnounUS /ˌderəˈveɪʃən/
the source or origin from which something derives (i.e. comes or issues)
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
derivativenounUS /dərˈɪvətɪv/
the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
characterized by great determination
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
dictionariesnounUS /ˈdɪkʃəneriz/
plural of “dictionary” — a reference book containing an alphabetical list of words with information about them
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
one or the other of two
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
essentiallyadverbUS /eˈsenʃəli/
in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
divisible by two
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
exclusionnounUS /ɪkˈskluːʒən/
the state of being excluded
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
expressesnounUS /ɪkˈspresəz/
plural of “express” — mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
assemble or get together
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
lexicographersnounUS /ˌleksɪˈkɑːɡrəfərz/
plural of “lexicographer” — a compiler or writer of a dictionary; a student of the lexical component of language
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
literaladjectiveUS /ˈlɪtərəl/
being or reflecting the essential or genuine character of something
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
most important element
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
manualnounUS /ˈmænjuːəl/
a small handbook
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
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 Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
meaningsnounUS /ˈmiːnɪŋz/
plural of “meaning” — the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
the force of workers available
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
metaphoricaladjectiveUS /ˌmetəˈfɔːrɪkəl/
expressing one thing in terms normally denoting another
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
misleadingadjectiveUS /mɪˈsliːdɪŋ/
designed to deceive or mislead either deliberately or inadvertently
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
and nothing more
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
precisionnounUS /priˈsɪʒən/
the quality of being reproducible in amount or performance
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
putsnounUS /pʊts/
plural of “put” — the option to sell a given stock (or stock index or commodity future) at a given price before a given date
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
Quintilian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
being connected either logically or causally or by shared characteristics
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
not often
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
serviceableadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrvəsəbəl/
ready for service or able to give long service
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
solecisms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
impart skills or knowledge to
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
unrelatedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnrɪˈleɪtɪd/
lacking a logical or causal relation
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
usagenounUS /ˈjuːsədʒ/
the act of using
From this reading This actual and serviceable meaning--not always determined by derivation, and seldom by popular usage--is the one affirmed, according to his light, by the author of this little manual of solecisms.
capable of being seen; or open to easy view
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading Few words have more than one literal and serviceable meaning, however many metaphorical, derivative, related, or even unrelated, meanings lexicographers may think it worth while to gather from all sorts and conditions of men, with which to bloat their absurd and misleading dictionaries.
produce a literary work
From this reading As Quintilian puts it, the writer should so write that his reader not only may, but must, understand.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading It is attained by choice of the word that accurately and adequately expresses what the writer has in mind, and by exclusion of that which either denotes or connotes something else.
the act of creating written works
From this reading The author's main purpose in this book is to teach precision in writing; and of good writing (which, essentially, is clear thinking made visible) precision is the point of capital concern.
