Chapter X

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

(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 remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

plural of “animosity” — a feeling of ill will arousing active hostility

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

with attention; in an attentive manner

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

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

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

(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 It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

someone who writes an account of a person's life

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

Scottish author noted for his biography of Samuel Johnson (1740-1795)

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

the two together, not just one

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

capability to perform or produce

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

come or bring to a finish or an end

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

-ing form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

take away a part from; diminish

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

make false by mutilation or addition; as of a message or story

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

being the right size and shape to fit as desired

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

highest in quality

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

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

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

of great significance or value

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

plural of “incident” — a single distinct event

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

connected by participation or association or use

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

third-person singular of “involve” — connect closely and often incriminatingly

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

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

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

past form of “mention” — make reference to

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

discovered or determined by scientific observation

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

many times at short intervals

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

and nothing more

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

with patience; in a patient manner

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

just preceding something else in time or order

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

be shown or be found to be

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

past form of “refrain” — resist doing something

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

unusual or striking

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

of or relating to the practice of science

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

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

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

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

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

(plural) something that reminds you of someone or something

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

a particular environment or walk of life

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

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

From this reading Boswell had in fact the scientific spirit and applied it to the greatest of all subjects, to human nature.

bring under control by force or authority

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

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

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

a fact that has been verified

From this reading And truth meant far more than that he did not distort the facts and did not suppress them; it involved in him the capacity for creating, the essential quality of his genius.

expressing or given to expressing the truth

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

past form of “watch” — look attentively

From this reading He was, in the first place, extremely accurate both in observing and recording; he watched attentively and often; and he described patiently what he had seen and heard.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

at the time that

From this reading The explanation which seems so simple and involves, when we come to understand all that it means, not only the exact shades of what the author said, but many things that he refrained from saying, is that Boswell in this particular sphere, the sphere of the biographer, was entirely truthful.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.

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

From this reading It is remarkable, as we have observed, in view of his personal animosities, and of his determination to prove Dr. Johnson to be both a greater and a better man than would appear from previous accounts, and to be an extremely dignified man as fitted his own conception of him, that Boswell should have presented a complete picture of Johnson--that he should have mentioned all the incidents from which he might appear both a less important and a less pleasant man--all the circumstances that might detract from his dignity.