Chapter III

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

-ing form of “aim” — point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

a formal written defense of something you believe in strongly

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

fearful expectation or anticipation

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

make a request or demand for something to somebody

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

state categorically

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

for the reason that

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

at or toward the back of something

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Believe me, you are mistaken if you believe these critics.

(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 I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

marked by lack of attention or consideration or forethought or thoroughness; not careful

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

plural of “chapter” — a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

a young person of either sex

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

having given consent

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

past form of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

third-person singular of “convey” — (of information) make known; pass on

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

too numerous to be counted

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

provide with a covering or cause to be covered

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

patron saint of Wales (circa 520-600)

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

resist or confront with resistance

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

a word used in exclamations of confusion

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

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

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

(comparative and superlative of “early”) more early than; most early

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

strangeness by virtue of being mysterious and inspiring fear

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

plural of “employ” — the state of being employed or having a job

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

divisible by two

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

plural of “expectation” — belief about (or mental picture of) the future

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

droplets of water vapor suspended in the air near the ground

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

an established custom

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

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

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

intense and profound fear

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Believe me, you are mistaken if you believe these critics.

plural of “impression” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

for the most part

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

plural of “marsh” — low-lying wet land with grassy vegetation; usually is a transition zone between land and water

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Believe me, you are mistaken if you believe these critics.

wrong in e.g. opinion or judgment

From this reading Believe me, you are mistaken if you believe these critics.

not any; not one

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

an open or empty space in or between things

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

a human being

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

(of an idea or opinion) formed beforehand; especially without evidence or through prejudice

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

ordinary writing as distinguished from verse

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

except for; apart from

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

a general conscious awareness

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

responsive to physical stimuli

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

having great beauty and splendor

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

successive (without a break)

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

reading carefully with intent to remember

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

express in words

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

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

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Believe me, you are mistaken if you believe these critics.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

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

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

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

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

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

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

which person or people

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading IX But even this apologia--sufficient as I think it--does not cover the whole defence.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

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From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

the words that are spoken

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading We have picked up a habit of consenting with critics who tell us that Dickens’ prose is careless and therefore not worth studying.

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading VIII Having, then, no preconceived notions about prose, and few prejudices save against certain locutions of which I confess I dislike them mainly because I dislike the sort of person who employs them--I assert that Dickens, aiming straight at his purpose, wrote countless pages of quite splendid prose.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading I defy you, for example, to suggest how a sense of the eeriness of the Woolwich marshes with an apprehension of horror behind the fog could be better conveyed in words than Dickens conveys them in the opening chapters of _Great Expectations_; as I ask you how the earliest impressions of a sensitive child can be better conveyed in language than they are in the early chapters of _David Copperfield_.