Sentence:  When we examine common words, we find that, broadly speaking, proper names stand for <WSD>particulars</WSD>, while other substantives, adjectives, prepositions, and verbs stand for universals. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A particular case; an individual thing as opposed to a whole class. (Opposed to (generals), (universals).) (from 17th c.)