used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
accommodateverbUS /əˈkɑːmədeɪt/
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
AffectionsnounUS /əˈfekʃənz/
plural of “affection” — a positive feeling of liking
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
amazingadjectiveUS /əˈmeɪzɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
ARNOLDnounUS /ˈɑːrnəld/
English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)
From this reading —MATTHEW ARNOLD.
averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/
approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
Centred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
power to direct or determine
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
disappointmentsnounUS /dɪsəˈpɔɪntmənts/
plural of “disappointment” — a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
disastrousadjectiveUS /dɪˈzæstrəs/
(of events) having extremely unfortunate or dire consequences; bringing ruin
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
distortingverbUS /dɪˈstɔːrtɪŋ/
-ing form of “distort” — make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
foundationsnounUS /faʊnˈdeɪʃənz/
plural of “foundation” — the basis on which something is grounded
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
God'snounUS /ɡɑːdz/
possessive form of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
griefs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
harmoniousadjectiveUS /hɑːrˈmoʊniəs/
musically pleasing
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
an instinctive motive
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
InstinctsnounUS /ˈɪnstɪŋkts/
plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading Vain labour!
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
majesticadjectiveUS /məˈdʒestɪk/
majestic in manner or bearing; superior to mundane matters
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
MATTHEWnounUS /ˈmæθjuː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel
From this reading —MATTHEW ARNOLD.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
the force of workers available
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
used to form the superlative
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
not one, and not any
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
the one or ones belonging to us
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
patheticadjectiveUS /pəˈθetɪk/
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
PrinciplesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
queen-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
Rendverb
tear or be torn violently
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
resignationnounUS /ˌrezəɡˈneɪʃən/
acceptance of despair
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
shadowyadjectiveUS /ˈʃædoʊi/
filled with shade
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
shredsnounUS /ʃredz/
plural of “shred” — a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
sitsverbUS /sɪts/
third-person singular of “sit” — be seated
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
the season of growth
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
in or at that place or location
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
the chair of state for a monarch, bishop, etc.
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
unitynounUS /ˈjuːnəti/
an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
unravelling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading Vain labour!
in or at the place that
From this reading Deep and broad, where none may see, Spring the foundations of that shadowy throne Where man’s one nature, queen-like, sits alone, Centred in a majestic unity.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading Affections, Instincts, Principles, and Powers, Impulse and Reason, Freedom and Control— So men, unravelling God’s harmonious whole, Rend in a thousand shreds this life of ours.
in the company of; together with
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading To some minds there is nothing more pathetic in human experience than the patient resignation with which average men and women accommodate themselves to the most disastrous and distorting of griefs and disappointments, nothing more amazing than their power to endure.
