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 The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.

be in accord; be in agreement

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

(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 Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

in addition

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

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

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

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

From this reading ARE WE STANDARDIZED?

a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

state capital and largest city of Georgia; chief commercial center of the southeastern United States; was plundered and burned by Sherman's army during the American Civil War

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

having a base

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

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

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

have

From this reading The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

plural of “car” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

to make a rush at or sudden attack upon, as in battle

From this reading The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

the largest city in Ohio; located in northeastern Ohio on Lake Erie; a major Great Lakes port

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a space into which an area is subdivided

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

plural of “compartment” — a space into which an area is subdivided

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

expressing pain or dissatisfaction of resentment

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

a feeling of disliking something or what someone is doing

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

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

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a native or inhabitant of Europe

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

all things; all of a situation

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

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

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a social unit living together

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

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

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.

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

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

in an incomparable manner or to an incomparable degree

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

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

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a state in midwestern United States

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

plural of “lit” — the humanistic study of a body of literature

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.

plural of “look” — the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

United States prizefighter who was world heavyweight champion for 12 years (1914-1981)

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

largest city of Tennessee; located in southwestern Tennessee on bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

largest city of Wisconsin; located in southeastern Wisconsin on the western shore of Lake Michigan; a flourishing agricultural center known for its breweries

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

not any; not one

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

causing disapproval or protest

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

United States feminist (1885-1977)

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a city in southwestern Pennsylvania where the confluence of the Allegheny River and Monongahela River forms the Ohio River; long an important urban industrial area; site of Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

plural of “railroad” — line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

any address at which you dwell more than temporarily

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

Identical; not different.

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

the state of being asleep

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

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

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

the condition in which a standard has been successfully established

From this reading The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.

brought into conformity with a standard

From this reading ARE WE STANDARDIZED?

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

plural of “telephone” — electronic equipment that converts sound into electrical signals that can be transmitted over distances and then converts received signals back into sounds

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

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

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

a special situation

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.

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

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

spanning or crossing or on the farther side of a continent

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading It is true that most American cities have a general family resemblance--that a business street in Atlanta or Memphis looks much like a business street in Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Kansas City, or St. Louis--and that much the same thing may be said of residence streets.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading Almost all modern European critics of the United States agree in complaining that our telephones and sleeping cars are objectionable, and that we are "standardized" in everything.

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

plural of “wagon” — any of various kinds of wheeled vehicles drawn by an animal or a tractor

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading ARE WE STANDARDIZED?

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

during the time that

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

to a great degree

From this reading Their criticism of the telephone seems to be that the state of perfection to which it has been brought in this country causes it to be widely used, while their disapproval of our sleeping cars is invariably based on the assumption that they have no compartments--which is not the fact, since most of the great transcontinental railroads do run compartment cars, and much better ones than the best _wagons lits_, and since, also, all our sleeping cars have drawing-rooms which are incomparably better than the most comfortable European compartments.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The charge of standardization will, however, bear a little thought.