used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
abnegationnounUS /ˌæbneˈɡeɪʃən/
the denial and rejection of a doctrine or belief
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
adhereverbUS /ədˈhɪr/
be compatible or in accordance with
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
admissibleadjectiveUS /ədˈmɪsəbəl/
deserving to be admitted
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
adorableadjectiveUS /əˈdɔːrəbəl/
lovable especially in a childlike or naive way
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
aimverbUS /eɪm/
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
appreciativeadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪv/
feeling or expressive of gratitude
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
being joined in close association
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
attainmentnounUS /əˈteɪnmənt/
the act of achieving an aim
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
relating to or characteristic of Christianity
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
DamonnounUS /ˈdeɪmən/
the friend of Phintias who pledged his life that Phintias would return (4th century BC)
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
disapprovalnounUS /dɪsəˈpruːvəl/
a feeling of disliking something or what someone is doing
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
distrustnounUS /dɪˈstrʌst/
doubt about someone's honesty
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
one or the other of two
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
electsnounUS /ˌɪˈlekts/
plural of “elect” — an exclusive group of people
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
at any time
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
exhibitedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪbətəd/
past form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
expressesnounUS /ɪkˈspresəz/
plural of “express” — mail that is distributed by a rapid and efficient system
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
fixedlyadverb
in a fixed manner
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
freshernounUS /ˈfreʃər/
a first-year undergraduate
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
gloriesnounUS /ˈɡlɔːriz/
plural of “glory” — a state of high honor
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
occupied or in the control of; often used in combination
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
heroicadjectiveUS /hɪˈroʊɪk/
very imposing or impressive; surpassing the ordinary (especially in size or scale)
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
implementsnounUS /ˈɪmpləmənts/
plural of “implement” — instrumentation (a piece of equipment or tool) used to effect an end
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
justifiableadjectiveUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪəbəl/
capable of being justified
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
justifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪd/
having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
MildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
a particular point in time
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
neweradjectiveUS /ˈnuːər/
comparative of “new” — not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
not any; not one
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
and nothing more
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
partnernounUS /ˈpɑːrtnər/
a person's partner in marriage
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
by chance
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
permanentadjectiveUS /ˈpɜːrmənənt/
continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
philosophicaladjectiveUS /ˌfɪləˈsɑːfɪkəl/
of or relating to philosophy or philosophers
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
pinnaclenounUS /ˈpɪnəkəl/
(architecture) a slender upright spire at the top of a buttress of tower
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
Pythiasnoun
friend of Damon
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
rarelyadverbUS /ˈrerli/
not often
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
reachesnounUS /ˈriːtʃəz/
plural of “reach” — the limits within which something can be effective
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
retour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
selfishadjectiveUS /ˈselfɪʃ/
concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others
From this reading But no selfish disapproval can be justified for a moment, if only the appreciative partner elects to adhere fixedly to the new plan or newer friend.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Some natural distrust must ever be felt, must be exhibited, let the fresher friend be in the highest degree justifiable, heroic, adorable.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
sublimeadjectiveUS /səˈblaɪm/
inspiring awe
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
supersededverbUS /ˌsuːpərˈsiːdɪd/
past form of “supersede” — take the place or move into the position of
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading Mild surprise at the nature of the implements chosen for such attainment is, perhaps, admissible.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading The attainment of pure and permanent happiness, by either of the attached persons, has always been held to be a leading aim of true friendship.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
wayfaringnoun
traveling (especially on foot)
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
belonging to which person
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
in the company of; together with
From this reading Still, human nature is ever more philosophical in theory than in practice; and the wayfaring Damon, _de retour_, rarely reaches that pinnacle of sublime abnegation which glories in being superseded, or expresses gratitude that Pythias has provided himself with another Damon, ‘whose Christian name was John.’
