abridgeverbUS /əˈbrɪdʒ/
reduce in scope while retaining essential elements
From this reading Let us abridge and improve French history.
abridgmentnoun
a shortened version of a written work
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
abundantadjectiveUS /əˈbʌndənt/
present in great quantity
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
adversarynounUS /ˈædvərseri/
someone who offers opposition
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
in addition
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
a cherished desire
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Let us abridge and improve French history.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
the two together, not just one
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
boundlessadjectiveUS /ˈbaʊndləs/
seemingly boundless in amount, number, degree, or especially extent
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
boundsnounUS /baʊndz/
the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
BurgundynounUS /ˈbɜːrɡəndi/
a former province of eastern France that is famous for its wines
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
a challenge to do something dangerous or foolhardy
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
deedsnounUS /diːdz/
performance of moral or religious acts
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
demagoguenounUS /ˈdeməɡɑːɡ/
a political leader who seeks support by appealing to popular passions and prejudices
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
disadvantagenounUS /ˌdɪsədˈvæntɪdʒ/
the quality of having an inferior or less favorable position
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
one or the other of two
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
enmitynounUS /ˈenməti/
a state of deep-seated ill-will
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
opinion or judgment
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
ferocitynounUS /fərˈɑːsəti/
the property of being wild or turbulent
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
a formation of aircraft in flight
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading Let us abridge and improve French history.
usually; as a rule
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading Let us abridge and improve French history.
improveverbUS /ˌɪmˈpruːv/
to make better
From this reading Let us abridge and improve French history.
improvementnounUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
kindnesses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Let us abridge and improve French history.
English businessman who created a retail chain (1888-1964)
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
offensesnounUS /əˈfensɪz/
plural of “offense” — a lack of politeness; a failure to show regard for others; wounding the feelings or others
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
OrleansnounUS /ˈɔːrliənz/
a city on the Loire river in north central France; site of the siege of Orleans by the English (1428-1429)
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
politicadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlətɪk/
marked by artful prudence, expedience, and shrewdness
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
refugenounUS /ˈrefjuːdʒ/
a safe place
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
that is looked for
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
past form of “stay” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
susceptibleadjectiveUS /səˈseptəbəl/
(often followed by “of” or “to”) yielding readily to or capable of
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
teachesnounUS /ˈtiːtʃəz/
plural of “teach” — an English pirate who operated in the Caribbean and off the Atlantic coast of North America (died in 1718)
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
tenaciouslyadverbUS /təˈneɪʃəsli/
with obstinate determination
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Let us abridge and improve French history.
vindictiveadjectiveUS /vɪnˈdɪktɪv/
disposed to seek revenge or intended for revenge
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
(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 But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
which person or people
From this reading He remembered ancient offenses as tenaciously as the Duke of Orleans had remembered kindnesses, and every one in Paris who had at any time shown enmity toward him either sought refuge in flight or stayed to receive abundant marks of his vindictive memory.
wisestadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪzəst/
superlative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The power of the Duke of Burgundy was without bounds in the city of Paris, and his daring and his ferocity were as boundless.
the least favorable outcome
From this reading But he had skill also, as well as daring; and especially that dark and politic skill which teaches the demagogue to turn the best and wisest deeds of an adversary to his disadvantage in the eyes of the people, and his own worst actions to the services of his own ambition.
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading As it is generally written, it is quite susceptible of both abridgment and improvement.
