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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
all
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From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
anticipatory
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From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
any
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From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
audacitynounUS /ɑːˈdæs.ə.t̬i/
A willingness to take bold risks; insolent and daring boldness that defies all authority.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
back
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From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
bad
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From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
believed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
belonged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
bold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
brilliant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
century
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
characteristic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
Club
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
confess
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From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
confidentially
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From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
conscious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
convinced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
critical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
dined
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From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
doubt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
earthly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
existed
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From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
extremely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
faintest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
fame
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From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
firmly
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From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
five
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From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
folds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
Francisco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
globe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
gratuitous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
harmless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
honestly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
humorous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
imparting
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From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
inclined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
indication
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
indistinctive
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From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
individuals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
justification
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
justify
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
knowing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
Looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
Mas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
members
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From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
Menos
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
merriment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
met
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
napkin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
o
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
observed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
obtained
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
opinion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
patronized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
Poco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
probably
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
quarter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
reason
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
recall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
reputations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
reserved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
restaurant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
satirical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
Saturdays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
seats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
shaken-out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
single
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
smiles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
specially
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
StillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
strangers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
thoughtnounUS /thought/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
thrilled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
together
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
waiter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
Wednesdays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Still less was there any justification for the gratuitous opinion which obtained, that it was bold, bad, and brilliant.
why
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was probably no earthly reason why the “Poco Mas o Menos” Club of San Francisco should have ever existed, or why its five harmless, indistinctive members should not have met and dined together as ordinary individuals.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading To take our seats on Wednesdays and Saturdays at a specially reserved table at the restaurant we patronized, to be conscious of being observed by the other guests, and of our waiter confidentially imparting our fame to strangers behind the shaken-out folds of a napkin, and of knowing that the faintest indication of merriment from our table thrilled the other guests with anticipatory smiles, was, I am firmly convinced, all that we ever did to justify our reputations.
witticism
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Looking back upon it over a quarter of a century and half a globe, I confess I cannot recall a single witticism, audacity, or humorous characteristic that belonged to it.
YetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet there was no doubt that we were thought to be extremely critical and satirical, and I am inclined to think we honestly believed it.
