used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
abhorverbUS /æbˈhɔːr/
find repugnant
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
AfricanadjectiveUS /ˈæfrəkən/
of or relating to the nations of Africa or their peoples
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
(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 "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading "Why so?--is cruelty a necessity?" asked Harold.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
for the reason that
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
being joined in close association
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
crueltiesnounUS /ˈkruːltiz/
plural of “cruelty” — a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
crueltynounUS /ˈkruːlti/
a cruel act; a deliberate infliction of pain and suffering
From this reading "Why so?--is cruelty a necessity?" asked Harold.
degradedadjectiveUS /dɪˈɡreɪdəd/
unrestrained by convention or morality
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
detestverbUS /dɪˈtest/
dislike intensely; feel antipathy or aversion towards
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
in a serious manner
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
at any time
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
opinion or judgment
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
experiencing or showing fear
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
forbidverbUS /fərˈbɪd/
command against
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
grossadjectiveUS /ɡroʊs/
before any deductions
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
Harold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
inferioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɪriər/
of or characteristic of low rank or importance
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
injusticenounUS /ˌɪnˈdʒʌstɪs/
an unjust act
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
the force of workers available
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading "Why so?--is cruelty a necessity?" asked Harold.
not any; not one
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
have ownership or possession of
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
philanthropicadjectiveUS /ˌfɪlənˈθrɑːpɪk/
generous in assistance to the poor
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
past form of “rejoin” — join again
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
Senhornoun
a Portuguese title of respect; equivalent to English “Mr”
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
plural of “shoulder” — the part of the body between the neck and the upper arm
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
shrugnounUS /ʃrʌɡ/
a gesture involving the shoulders
From this reading "That is because, as I said, you are not in our position," rejoined the Senhor, with a shrug of his shoulders.
slaverynounUS /ˈsleɪvəri/
the state of being under the control of another person
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
plural of “slave” — a person who is owned by someone
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "Why so?--is cruelty a necessity?" asked Harold.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
sympathiseverb
share the feelings of; understand the sentiments of
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
carry out
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading We detest the gross injustice of slavery, and we abhor the fearful cruelties connected with it."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
precisely as stated
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
which person or people
From this reading "It is easy for you to take the philanthropic view, which, however, I admit to be the best, for in the eyes of God all men are equal, and though the African be a degraded man, I know enough of him to be sure that he can be raised by kindness and religion into a position not very inferior to our own; but we who keep slaves cannot help ourselves we _must_ act as we do."
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading "Why so?--is cruelty a necessity?" asked Harold.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "No, truly, we can _not_ understand you," said Harold earnestly, "and God forbid that we should ever sympathise with you in this matter.
