Chapter XI · Chapter 11

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading 1.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

matters of personal concern

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

how long something has existed

From this reading +The Age of Prose.+-- The eighteenth century was an age of prose in two senses.

in addition

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading +The Age of Prose.+-- The eighteenth century was an age of prose in two senses.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

a period of 100 years

From this reading THE FIRST HALF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

a person who is in charge

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

coming next after the seventeenth in position

From this reading THE FIRST HALF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading THE FIRST HALF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading THE FIRST HALF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

the act of retaining something

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading +The Age of Prose.+-- The eighteenth century was an age of prose in two senses.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

the force of workers available

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

and nothing more

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

a particular point in time

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

used to form the superlative

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

widely known and esteemed

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE FIRST HALF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

literature in metrical form

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

concerned with actual use or practice

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

not fanciful or imaginative

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

ordinary writing as distinguished from verse

From this reading +The Age of Prose.+-- The eighteenth century was an age of prose in two senses.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

unusual or striking

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

plural of “sens” — street names for marijuana

From this reading +The Age of Prose.+-- The eighteenth century was an age of prose in two senses.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

plural of “statesman” — a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE FIRST HALF OF THE EIGHTEENTH CENTURY.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading +The Age of Prose.+-- The eighteenth century was an age of prose in two senses.

an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading +The Age of Prose.+-- The eighteenth century was an age of prose in two senses.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

during the time that

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading One remarkable fact may also be noted about the chief prose-writers of this century-- and that is, that they were, most of them, not merely able writers, not merely distinguished literary men, but also men of affairs-- men well versed in the world and in matters of the highest practical moment, while some were also statesmen holding high office.

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading In the first place, it was a prosaic age; and, in the second place, better prose than poetry was produced by its writers.