used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
acquiredadjectiveUS /əˈkwaɪərd/
gotten through environmental forces
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
approvesverbUS /əˈpruːvz/
third-person singular of “approve” — give sanction to
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
approvingnounUS /əˈpruːvɪŋ/
the formal act of approving
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
assumesverbUS /əˈsuːmz/
third-person singular of “assume” — take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, it is too dangerous to recommend unreservedly or to condemn unreservedly.
BIOGRAPHIESnounUS /baɪˈɑːɡrəfiz/
plural of “biography” — an account of the series of events making up a person's life
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
condemnverbUS /kənˈdem/
express strong disapproval of
From this reading Besides, it is too dangerous to recommend unreservedly or to condemn unreservedly.
condemnationnounUS /ˌkɑːndəmˈneɪʃən/
an expression of strong disapproval; pronouncing as wrong or morally culpable
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
condemnsverbUS /kənˈdemz/
third-person singular of “condemn” — express strong disapproval of
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
criticismnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
criticismsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəmz/
plural of “criticism” — disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
criticsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪks/
plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading Besides, it is too dangerous to recommend unreservedly or to condemn unreservedly.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
disapprovalnounUS /dɪsəˈpruːvəl/
a feeling of disliking something or what someone is doing
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
one or the other of two
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
helpsnounUS /helps/
plural of “help” — the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
IndexnounUS /ˈɪndeks/
a numerical scale used to compare variables with one another or with some reference number
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
the literary culture
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
limitedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətəd/
small in range or scope
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
MEMOIRSnounUS /ˈmemwɑːrz/
plural of “memoir” — an account of the author's personal experiences
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
mentionsnounUS /ˈmenʃənz/
plural of “mention” — a remark that calls attention to something or someone
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
namingnounUS /ˈneɪmɪŋ/
the verbal act of naming
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
on one occasion
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
preachverbUS /priːtʃ/
deliver a sermon
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
recommendverbUS /ˌrekəˈmend/
push for something
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
recommendationnounUS /ˌrekəmənˈdeɪʃən/
something (as a course of action) that is recommended as advisable
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
schoolsnounUS /skuːlz/
plural of “school” — an educational institution
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
teachersnounUS /ˈtiːtʃərz/
plural of “teacher” — a person whose occupation is teaching
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Besides, it is too dangerous to recommend unreservedly or to condemn unreservedly.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
undertakenverbUS /ˈʌndərteɪkən/
inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
unreservedlyadverb
without reservation
From this reading Besides, it is too dangerous to recommend unreservedly or to condemn unreservedly.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
precisely as stated
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
at any time that; every time that
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading LETTERS, BIOGRAPHIES, AND MEMOIRS Some of us have acquired a state of mind which helps us to believe that whenever a man mentions a book he either condemns or approves of it.
which person or people
From this reading It is true that books are criticisms of life, and that life, if it is not very narrow and limited, is a good criticism of books; but one of the most pleasant qualities of a reader who has lived among books all his life is that he does not attempt always to recommend books to others, or to preach about them.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading In a word, the mere naming a book means a criticism of the book at once.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The teachers of literature have undertaken the recommendation of books for the young; there are schools of critics who spend their time in approving of them for the old; and the "Index" at Rome assumes the difficult task of disapproval and condemnation.
