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.

The machine did the labour, and by its self-action did the work in the most perfect manner.

From James Nasmyth: Engineer; an autobiography by Smiles, Samuel

She gained self-action and independence thereby; her finances have been so skilfully administered and the liberality of her members has been so great that she has now a realised capital of over nine millions!

From The New Irish Constitution by Morgan, J. H.

Life and self-action in dead wood and iron are phenomena too striking and pregnant with meaning to be wisely slurred or ignored.

From Witchcraft of New England Explained by Modern Spiritualism by Putnam, Allen

To believe in Nature, in its self-existence, its self-subsistence, its self-action, its eternity, infinity, and materiality, and in that only, is Affirmative Atheism.*

From The Limits Of Atheism Or, Why should Sceptics be Outlaws? by Holyoake, George Jacob

When he had married her, not yet nine months since, she had been a little girl, altogether in his hands, not pretending to any self-action, and anxious to be guided in everything by him.

From Is He Popenjoy? by Trollope, Anthony