Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Were it otherwise, indeed, the animal would soon deserve more than the poet's epithet of "half-reasoning."

From Principles of Geology or, The Modern Changes of the Earth and its Inhabitants Considered as Illustrative of Geology by Lyell, Charles, Sir

How instinct varies in the grovelling swine, Compared, half-reasoning elephant, with thine!

From An Essay on Man by Morley, Henry

Hence, Pope is not philosophical, when he applies the epithet "half-reasoning" to the elephant.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 05, No. 31, May, 1860 by Various

The noble properties of the dog, the horse, and the "half-reasoning elephant," have long been known and praised.

From Olive Leaves Or, Sketches of Character by Sigourney, L. H. (Lydia Howard)

A sort of reasoning devil seems to possess us, to twitch our little morsels of unreasoned consolation, of sanctifying, mystical half-reasoning away from our peace-hungry souls.

From Belcaro Being Essays on Sundry Aesthetical Questions by Lee, Vernon