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Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

earthful en · NOUN · etymology 1

Pronunciation

  • /ɜːθfl̩/ (US)

Etymology

From earth + -ful.

Meanings

  1. As much as the earth can or does hold or sustain.
    • Then, as we reach higher than the bird to the world of quadrupeds, think what an earthful of life and feeling, of exaltation, of joy, there is in every forest, in every stream, in every tree, over every plain and every land of the globe. 1895, Minot Judson Savage, Unity Pulpit, Boston, page 5:
    • It's not just an earthful of people, it's going to be an earthful of dull people with dull vistas. 1980, David Ross Brower, Susan R. Schrepfer, David R. Brower, Environmental Activist, Publicist, and Prophet, page 320:
    • With four earthfuls of people (by pre-mechanized standards), and with reasons to doubt the stability of an ecosystem modified by the drawdown method, the post-exuberant world found itself facing serious trouble. 1982, William R. Catton, Overshoot: The Ecological Basis of Revolutionary Change, page 108:
    • And you are my summer moon's earthful of paradise 2012, Munayem Mayenin, The Arisen of the Day, page 36:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
earthfuls Number=Plur lexicographic

earthful en · ADJ · etymology 2

Pronunciation

  • /ɜːθfl̩/ (US)

Etymology

From earth + -ful.

Meanings

  1. Pertaining to the earth, as opposed to heaven; earthly.
    • Account that day a lost one in which you forget him ; let some part of your time be sacred to him ; retire from every earthful scene to lean upon his bosom, to pour your wishes into his ear, to admire, adore, and enjoy him — enjoy him! — yes, that is salvation, that is heaven. 1875, Samuel King Bland, Memorials of George Wright, page 97:
    • 'Tis a dream of truth begot, Floating in an upper air, Sweet as any Angelot, Lifting aspiration where Earthly greed and earthful care Are awhile forgot. 1885, Mary Barker Carter Dodge, The Gray Masque: And Other Poems, page 19:
    • From His holy home on High, We to give them earthful teachings, They to lead us to the sky ! 1858, Lady's Home Magazine - Volumes 11-12, page 20:

Forms

SpellingFeaturesLabelsSource
more earthful Degree=Cmp lexicographic
most earthful Degree=Sup lexicographic