Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

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

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

later than; following

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

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

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

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

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

playing or singing with instrumental or vocal accompaniment

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

a diacritical mark (U-shaped) placed over a vowel to indicate a short sound

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

harsh or corrosive in tone

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

(ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Chinese descent

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

a creation of the highest excellence

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

a natural object that covers or envelops

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

(of land or fields) prepared for raising crops by plowing or fertilizing

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

a cynical feeling of distrust

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

a period of 10 years

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

of concern to or concerning the internal affairs of a nation

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

without doubt; certainly

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

plural of “foreigner” — a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

a person of German nationality

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

marked with or divided into degrees

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

hold firmly

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

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

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

plural of “impression” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

having much knowledge or education

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

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

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

the literary culture

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

engage in

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

social deportment

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

the property of being multiple

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

a brief written record

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

not one thing; not anything

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

by chance

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

a copy of a printed work offered for distribution

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

an educational institution

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

plural of “selection” — the act of choosing or selecting

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

similar things placed in order or happening one after another

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

plural of “study” — a detailed critical inspection

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

the words of something written

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

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

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

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

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

care provided to improve a situation (especially medical procedures or applications that are intended to relieve illness or injury)

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

English writer of novels (1815-1882)

From this reading | +-------------------------------------------------+ Since the publication in 1832 of that classic of cynicism, The Domestic Manners of the Americans, by Mrs. Trollope, perhaps nothing has appeared that is more caustic or amusing in its treatment of America and the Americans than the following passages from the letters of a cultivated and educated Chinaman.

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

the body of faculty and students at a university

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

not reserved

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

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

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

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

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

having relatively great weight; heavy

From this reading Americans have been informed of the impressions they make on the French, English, and other people, but doubtless this is the first unreserved and weighty expression of opinion on a multiplicity of American topics by a Chinaman of cultivation and grasp of mind.

widely or fully known

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.

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

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

which person or people

From this reading The selections have been made from a series of letters covering a decade spent in America, and were addressed to a friend in China who had seen few foreigners.

in the company of; together with

From this reading +-------------------------------------------------+ |Transcriber's note: | | | |In this text the breve has been represented with | | | |[ua] [ue] [uo].

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading The writer was graduated from a well-known college, after he had attended an English school, and later took special studies at a German university.