1
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
highly skilled
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
approvedadjectiveUS /əˈpruːvd/
established by authority; given authoritative approval
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
autobiographernounUS /ˌɔːtəbaɪˈɑːɡrəfər/
someone who writes their own biography
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
autobiographynounUS /ˌɔːtəbaɪˈɑːɡrəfi/
a biography of yourself
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
biographynounUS /baɪˈɑːɡrəfi/
an account of the series of events making up a person's life
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
BoswellnounUS /ˈbɑːzwel/
Scottish author noted for his biography of Samuel Johnson (1740-1795)
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
casualadjectiveUS /ˈkæʒəwəl/
marked by blithe unconcern
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
closingnounUS /ˈkloʊzɪŋ/
the act of closing something
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
comparableadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpərəbəl/
able to be compared or worthy of comparison
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
deem to be
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
definiteadjectiveUS /ˈdefənət/
precise; explicit and clearly defined
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
diariesnounUS /ˈdaɪəriz/
plural of “diary” — a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
at any time
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
opinion or judgment
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
of great significance or value
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
inconceivableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnkənˈsiːvəbəl/
totally unlikely
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
the literary culture
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
for more time
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
a particular point in time
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
as might be expected
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
not any; not one
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
preservedadjectiveUS /prəˈzɜːrvd/
prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
publicationnounUS /ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃən/
a copy of a printed work offered for distribution
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
on the contrary
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
in or at that place or location
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
undertakingnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His death came at the due moment; he was not cut off in the midst of a great undertaking or in the course of an important development.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
at the time that
From this reading Several questions naturally present themselves when we consider the end of a man's life.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It is inconceivable that, had he lived, he would have produced another biography which should be comparable to the 'Life of Johnson.'
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading An autobiography he might indeed have written, but there is no sign that he was engaged upon such a work in the closing years, or that the idea had taken definite shape in his mind; his nature was rather that of the casual autobiographer, such as we find him in the 'Life' from time to time, and particularly in the 'Letters to Temple'; and it is doubtful whether his autobiography, if ever it had been written, would have added much to letters and diaries which were no doubt in existence, though not preserved for our eyes.[1] The great labour of his life had been accomplished: and he was allowed a little time longer to see that it was approved by his own generation.
a late time of life
From this reading Four years of life remained to Boswell after the publication of the great biography.
