Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

(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 All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

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

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

disposed or placed in a particular kind of order

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

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

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

plural of “attribute” — a construct whereby objects or individuals can be distinguished

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

plural of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

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

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

plural of “beginning” — the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

the two together, not just one

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

an occurrence of something

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

plural of “category” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

a period of 100 years

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

characteristic of the present

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

a flow of electricity through a conductor

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

method or manner of conduct in relation to others

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

plural of “decade” — a period of 10 years

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

leave someone who needs or counts on you; leave in the lurch

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

plural of “dimension” — the magnitude of something in a particular direction (especially length or width or height)

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

past form of “exist” — have an existence, be extant

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

regard something as probable or likely

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

become less clearly visible or distinguishable; disappear gradually or seemingly

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a substance that is fluid at room temperature and pressure

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

(biology) the process of an individual organism growing organically; a purely biological unfolding of events involved in an organism changing gradually from a simple to a more complex level

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

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

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

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

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

the quality of being important and worthy of note

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

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

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a quantity that is added

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

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

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

immediately past

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

happening at a time subsequent to a reference time

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

engage in

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

a particular point in time

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

used to form the superlative

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

coming next after the eighteenth in position

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a brief written record

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

plural of “novelist” — one who writes novels

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

and nothing more

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

distinguished from others in excellence

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

plural of “path” — a course of conduct

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

prepared and printed for distribution and sale

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

in a regular manner

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

To recall to mind.

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

to give an account or representation of in words

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

make visible

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

plural of “revolution” — a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

small stuff that is used for lashing two or more ropes together

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

continuously varying

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

(sometimes followed by “to”) applying to or characterized by or distinguishing something particular or special or unique

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

plural of “success” — an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

take the place or move into the position of

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

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

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

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

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

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

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a just detectable amount

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

position 20 in a countable series of things

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

exhibiting the qualities or characteristics that identify a group or kind or category

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

third-person singular of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.

not suspected or believed likely

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading All he can expect to do in dealing with any current type as fluid as the novel, is, seizing upon it at some specific moment, to examine the intentions and successes of outstanding or typical individuals and to make the most accurate report possible concerning them.

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading Readers of both volumes may note that in this later volume criticism has tended to supplant history.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

at the time that

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

which person or people

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

belonging to which person

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading In the case of living authors he has regularly to remember that he works with shifting materials, with figures whose dimensions and importance may be changed by growth, with persons who may desert old paths for new, reveal unsuspected attributes, increase or fade with the mere revolutions of time.

the act of creating written works

From this reading Only in writing of dead authors can the critic feel that any considerable portion of his task is done when he has arranged them in what he thinks their proper categories and their true perspective.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading _The American Novel_, published last year, undertook to trace the progress of a literary type in the United States from its beginnings to the end of the nineteenth century; _Contemporary American Novelists_ undertakes to study the type as it has existed during the first two decades of the twentieth century.