Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The Eatanswill election is not a joke against Eatanswill; it is a joke against elections.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

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

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

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

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

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

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

offering little or no hope

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

the British cabinet minister responsible for finance

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

plural of “chancellor” — the British cabinet minister responsible for finance

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

rid of obstructions

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

a word used in exclamations of confusion

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

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

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

one or the other of two

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

plural of “election” — a vote to select the winner of a position or political office

From this reading The Eatanswill election is not a joke against Eatanswill; it is a joke against elections.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

plural of “feel” — an intuitive awareness

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

(often followed by “to”) having a preference, disposition, or tendency

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

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

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

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

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter

From this reading The Eatanswill election is not a joke against Eatanswill; it is a joke against elections.

and nothing more

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

relating to or applicable to or concerned with the administration of a city or town or district rather than a larger area

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

and nothing more

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

as might be expected

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

A person who does not belong to a particular group or community; a stranger.

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

almost; nearly

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

a person who represents others

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

preliminary drawing for later elaboration

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

a city in south central Canada in Ontario; a major nickel mining center

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

required or under orders

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

relating to or using or proceeding by means of symbols

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

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

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

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

From this reading As a matter of fact, I fear Eatanswill was every town in the country.

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

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.

at the time that

From this reading It is surely clear that when Dickens described the Eatanswill election he did not mean it as a satire on Sudbury or a satire on Ipswich; he meant it as a satire on England.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Naturally, an outsider feels inclined to ask why Eatanswill should be either one or the other.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading If the satire is merely local, it practically loses its point; just as the “Circumlocution Office” would lose its point if it were not supposed to be a true sketch of all Government offices; just as the Lord Chancellor in “Bleak House” would lose his point if he were not supposed to be symbolic and representative of all Lord Chancellors.