Chapter V · Chapter 5

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

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

the quality of having a superior or more favorable position

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

(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 And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

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

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

state categorically

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

a cruel and oppressive dictator

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

terminate

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

an occurrence of something

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

a substance that can be burned to provide heat or power

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

behave in a patronizing and condescending manner

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

of persons; not subject to change

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

reach, make, or come to a decision about something

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

A means of altering one's appearance to conceal one's identity.

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

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

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

having come or been brought to a conclusion

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

every person

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

a violent release of energy caused by a chemical or nuclear reaction

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

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

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

a town in northern Maryland to the west of Baltimore

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

come to pass

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

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

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

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

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

showing lack of favoritism

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

cause to arise

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

existing as an essential constituent or characteristic

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

made more intense

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

an artist of consummate skill

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

used of unskilled work (especially domestic work)

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

common to or shared by two or more parties

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

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

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

and nothing more

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

restricted to something

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

a relation between people; (“relationship” is often used where “relation” would serve, as in `the relationship between inflation and unemployment', but the preferred usage of “relationship” is for human relations or states of relatedness)

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

comparatives of “soon” or “early”

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading For some time their sense of mutual advantage may induce them to tolerate each other, but sooner or later human nature will assert itself, and the _ménage_ will break up.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

precisely as stated

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

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

From this reading In any case, it is evident to the impartial observer that Voltaire's visit could only have ended as it did--in an explosion.

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

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

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

From this reading The elements of the situation were too combustible for any other conclusion.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

at the time that

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

during the time that

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

belonging to which person

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading When two confirmed egotists decide, for purely selfish reasons, to set up house together, everyone knows what will happen.

in the company of; together with

From this reading And, with Voltaire and Frederick, the difficulties inherent in all such cases were intensified by the fact that the relationship between them was, in effect, that of servant and master; that Voltaire, under a very thin disguise, was a paid menial, while Frederick, condescend as he might, was an autocrat whose will was law.