adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
admireverbUS /ædˈmaɪr/
feel admiration for
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
affectationnounUS /ˌæfekˈteɪʃən/
a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(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 We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
BlackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
casketsnounUS /ˈkæskəts/
plural of “casket” — box in which a corpse is buried or cremated
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
civiladjectiveUS /ˈsɪvəl/
applying to ordinary citizens as contrasted with the military
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
deceivedverbUS /dɪˈsiːvd/
past form of “deceive” — be false to; be dishonest with
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
degreenounUS /dɪˈɡriː/
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
doctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
entirelyadverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪərli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
executesverbUS /ˈeksəkjuːts/
third-person singular of “execute” — kill as a means of socially sanctioned punishment
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
favouritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
a competitor thought likely to win
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
fineradjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnər/
(comparative of “fine”) greater in quality or excellence
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
Jessica
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
JewnounUS /dʒuː/
a person belonging to the worldwide group claiming descent from Jacob (or converted to it) and connected by cultural or religious ties
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
JewessnounUS /ˈdʒuːəs/
a woman who is a Jew
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
Lorenzo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
lovenounUS /lʌv/
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
maidnounUS /meɪd/
a female domestic
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
marriedadjectiveUS /ˈmerid/
joined in matrimony
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
mercynounUS /ˈmɜːrsi/
leniency and compassion shown toward offenders by a person or agency charged with administering justice
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
Morocchius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
Nerissa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
objectnounUS /ˈɑːbdʒekt/
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
onesnounUS /wʌnz/
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
pedantrynounUS /ˈpedəntri/
an ostentatious and inappropriate display of learning
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
Portia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
PrincenounUS /prɪns/
a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
properadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːpər/
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
qualificationnounUS /ˌkwɑːləfəˈkeɪʃən/
an attribute that must be met or complied with and that fits a person for something
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
rightadverbUS /raɪt/
precisely, exactly
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
robbedverbUS /rɑːbd/
inflected form of “rob” — take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
scenenounUS /siːn/
the place where some action occurs
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
ShakespearenounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːr/
English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
Shakespeare'snounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːrz/
possessive form of “shakespeare” — English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
speechnounUS /spiːtʃ/
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
successfullyadverbUS /səkˈsesfəli/
with success; in a successful manner
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
thinksnounUS /θɪŋks/
plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We do not admire the scene of the caskets; and object entirely to the Black Prince, Morocchius.
undertakesverbUS /ˈʌndərteɪks/
third-person singular of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
unusualadjectiveUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəl/
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading The speech about mercy is very well; but there are a thousand finer ones in Shakespeare.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Portia is not a very great favourite with us, neither are we in love with her maid, Nerissa.
womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading Portia has a certain degree of affectation and pedantry about her, which is very unusual in Shakespeare's women, but which perhaps was a proper qualification for the office of a 'civil doctor', which she undertakes and executes so successfully.
wrongadjectiveUS /rɔːŋ/
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading We should like Jessica better if she had not deceived and robbed her father, and Lorenzo, if he had not married a Jewess, though he thinks he has a right to wrong a Jew.
