absurditynounUS /əbˈsɜːrdəti/
a message whose content is at variance with reason
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
avocations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
give pleasure to or be pleasing to
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
desultoryadjectiveUS /ˈdesəltɔːri/
marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
drawing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
plural of “end” — either extremity of something that has length
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
exaltedadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɔːltɪd/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
Flam
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
hintsnounUS /hɪnts/
plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
the lack of knowledge or education
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
the quality of being important and worthy of note
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
indispensableadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈspensəbəl/
not to be dispensed with; essential
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
take somebody somewhere
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
used to form the superlative
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
not any; not one
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
pervertedadjectiveUS /pərˈvɜːrtɪd/
(used of sexual behavior) showing or appealing to bizarre or deviant tastes
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
preposterousness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
pressurenounUS /ˈpreʃər/
the force applied to a unit area of surface; measured in pascals (SI unit) or in dynes (cgs unit)
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
rambledverbUS /ˈræmbəld/
past form of “ramble” — continue talking or writing in a desultory manner
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
plural of “remark” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
solicitousadjectiveUS /səˈlɪsətəs/
full of anxiety and concern
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
SparkesverbUS /spɑːrks/
third-person singular of “spark” — put in motion or move to act
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
studentnounUS /ˈstuːdənt/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
to a sufficient degree
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Then he never failed to give broad hints that if he was now no great student, it was not from ignorance, but from the pressure of more indispensable avocations.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Mr. Flam, feeling as if he had not sufficiently produced himself at dinner now took the lead.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
usagesnounUS /ˈjuːsədʒəz/
plural of “usage” — the act of using
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
the act of using
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
at the time that
From this reading In the afternoon, when the company were assembled in the drawing-room, the conversation turned on various subjects.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was never solicitous to show what he called his learning, but when Miss Sparkes was present, whom it was his grand delight to _set down_ as he called it.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading He first rambled into some desultory remarks on the absurdity of the world, and the preposterousness of modern usages, which perverted the ends of education, and exalted things which were of least use into most importance.
