used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
how long something has existed
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
agriculturaladjectiveUS /ˌæɡrəˈkʌltʃərəl/
relating to or used in or promoting agriculture or farming
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
Beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
brought into existence
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
conciseadjectiveUS /kənˈsaɪs/
expressing much in few words
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
constitutionnounUS /ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃən/
law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
without stop or interruption
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
eighteenadjectiveUS /eɪˈtiːn/
being one more than seventeen
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
to come or go into
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
errorsnounUS /ˈerərz/
plural of “error” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
esteemedadjectiveUS /ɪˈstiːmd/
having an illustrious reputation; respected
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
to an extreme degree
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
be a farmer; work as a farmer
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
faultsnounUS /fɔːlts/
plural of “fault” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
imbibedverbUS /ɪmˈbaɪbd/
past form of “imbibe” — take in, also metaphorically
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
inexpressibleadjective
defying expression
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
infirmadjectiveUS /ɪnˈfɜːrm/
lacking bodily or muscular strength or vitality
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
the act of departing
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
Medfield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
misfortunesnounUS /mɪˈsfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “misfortune” — unnecessary and unforeseen trouble resulting from an unfortunate event
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
and nothing more
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
opposedadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzd/
being in opposition or having an opponent
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
outlinenounUS /ˈaʊtlaɪn/
the line that appears to bound an object
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
made ready or fit or suitable beforehand
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
pursuitsnounUS /pərˈsuːts/
plural of “pursuit” — the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
reasonablyadverbUS /ˈriːzənəbli/
to certain extent or degree
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
express the need or desire for
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
retrospectnounUS /ˈretrəspekt/
contemplation of things past
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
a male human offspring
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
strenuouslyadverbUS /ˈstrenjuːəsli/
in a strenuous manner; strongly or vigorously
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
suitableadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtəbəl/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
universitynounUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəti/
the body of faculty and students at a university
From this reading My father early imbibed a love of literature, and prepared to enter the university.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
precisely as stated
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I was born in Medfield, a country town about eighteen miles from Boston.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But as his constitution then appeared to be very infirm, and he was an only son, his parents were strenuously opposed to his leaving them.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Being arrived at an age in which I cannot reasonably expect my life will be long continued, at the request of a highly esteemed friend I am about to give a concise outline of my past life; notwithstanding I am sensible that a retrospect of past errors, faults and misfortunes, will be exceedingly painful.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Accordingly, to his inexpressible disappointment, he was obliged to settle upon their large farm, without a suitable knowledge of, or taste for, agricultural pursuits.
