55
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
acquitverbUS /əˈkwɪt/
pronounce not guilty of criminal charges
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
react verbally
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
constraintnounUS /kənˈstreɪnt/
the state of being physically constrained
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
dictateverbUS /dɪkˈteɪt/
issue commands or orders for
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
disappointingly unsuccessful
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/
something intended to communicate a particular impression
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
endeavouring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
entertainverbUS /ˌentərˈteɪn/
provide entertainment for
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
at any time
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
expecteth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
faultsnounUS /fɔːlts/
plural of “fault” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
hearersnounUS /ˈhiːrərz/
plural of “hearer” — someone who listens attentively
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
industriouslyadverb
in an industrious manner
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
having much knowledge or education
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
inventionnounUS /ˌɪnˈvenʃən/
the creation of something in the mind
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
the force of workers available
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
mirthnounUS /mɜːrθ/
great merriment
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
mortalsnounUS /ˈmɔːrtəlz/
plural of “mortal” — a human being
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
mouthsnounUS /maʊðz/
plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
not one, and not any
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
and nothing more
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
perpetualadjectiveUS /pərˈpetʃuːəl/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
presideverbUS /prɪˈzaɪd/
act as president
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
rackverbUS /ræk/
go at a rack
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
express in words
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
standers-by
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They must do something extraordinary, in order to acquit themselves, and answer their character, else the standers-by may be disappointed and be apt to think them only like the rest of mortals.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
talentsnounUS /ˈtælənts/
plural of “talent” — natural abilities or qualities
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
a special situation
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
tormentnounUS /ˈtɔːrment/
unbearable physical pain
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
precisely as stated
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
at the time that
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
in or at the place that
From this reading I have known two men of wit industriously brought together, in order to entertain the company, where they have made a very ridiculous figure, and provided all the mirth at their own expense.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
which person or people
From this reading I know a man of wit, who is never easy but where he can be allowed to dictate and preside: he neither expecteth to be informed or entertained, but to display {55} his own talents.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
in the company of; together with
From this reading There are some faults in conversation, which none are so subject to as the men of wit, nor ever so much as when they are with each other.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
wittyadjectiveUS /ˈwɪti/
combining clever conception and facetious expression
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
the words that are spoken
From this reading If they have opened their mouths, without endeavouring to say a witty thing, they think it is so many words lost: It is a torment to the hearers, as much as to themselves, to see them upon the rack for invention, and in perpetual constraint, with so little success.
