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Webster’s Dictionary (1828)



329 words match “MEANING”

AMPHIBOLOGY n.
e, discourse, or proposition, susceptible of two interpretations; and hence, of uncertain meaning. It differs from equivocation, which arises from the twofold sense of a single term.
AMPHIBOLOUS a.
Capable of two meanings. An amphibolous sentence is one that is capable of two meanings, not from the double sense of any of the words, but from its admitting of a double construction; e. g., "The duke yet lives that Henry shall depose." Whately.
AMPHIBOLY n.
gy. If it oracle contrary to our interest or humor, we will create an amphiboly, a double meaning where there is none. Whitlock.
AMPHIGORY n.
A nonsense verse; a rigmarole, with apparent meaning, which on further attention proves to be meaningless. [Written also amphigouri.]
ANAGOGE n.
The spiritual meaning or application; esp. the application of the types and allegories of the Old Testament to subjects of the New.
ANAGOGIC; ANAGOGICAL a.
Mystical; having a secondary spiritual meaning; as, the rest of the Sabbath, in an anagogical sense, signifies the repose of the saints in heaven; an anagogical explication. -- An`a*gog"ic*al*ly, adv.
ANATHEMA n.
highly intensified form of anathema. Maran atha is now considered as a separate sentence, meaning, "Our Lord cometh."
ANGLO- n.
A combining form meaning the same as English; or English and, or English conjoined with; as, Anglo-Turkish treaty, Anglo-German, Anglo-Irish. Anglo-American, . Of or pertaining to the English and Americans, or to the descendants of Englishmen in America. -- n. A descendant from English ancestors born in America, or th…
ANTERO- n.
A combining form meaning anterior, front; as, antero-posterior, front and back; antero-lateral, front side, anterior and at the side.
ANTI n.
A prefix meaning against, opposite or opposed to, contrary, or in place of; -- used in composition in many English words. It is often shortened to ant-; as, antacid, antarctic.
ANTIPHRASIS n.
The use of words in a sense opposite to their proper meaning; as when a court of justice is called a court of vengeance.
ANTONYM n.
A word of opposite meaning; a counterterm; -- used as a correlative of synonym. [R.] C. J. Smith.
APPROPRIATE a.
nce: Belonging peculiarly; peculiar; suitable; fit; proper. In its strict and appropriate meaning. Porteus. Appropriate acts of divine worship. Stillingfleet. It is not at all times easy to find words appropriate to express our ideas. Locke.
ARCH a. 2 definitions
A suffix meaning a ruler, as in monarch (a sole ruler).
ARCHY n.
A suffix properly meaning a rule, ruling, as in monarchy, the rule of one only. Cf. -arch.
AS adv.
Expressing concession. (Often approaching though in meaning). We wish, however, to avail ourselves of the interest, transient as it may be, which this work has excited. Macaulay.
ASSASSINATE v.
To assail with murderous intent; hence, by extended meaning, to maltreat exceedingly. [Archaic] Your rhymes assassinate our fame. Dryden. Such usage as your honorable lords Afford me, assassinated and betrayed. Milton.
ASTRO- n.
The combining form of the Greek word 'a`stron, meaning star.
ATIMY n.
ion, and often equivalent to the verbal substantive in -ing. It sometimes has the further meanings of state, and that which results from the action. Many of these nouns have verbs in -ate; as, alliterate -ation, narrate -ation; many are derived through the French; as, alteration, visitation; and many are formed on verb…
ATTAIN v.
To get at the knowledge of; to ascertain. [Obs.] Not well attaining his meaning. Fuller.
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