used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
adorn'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Renown'd metropolis, With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton.
(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 strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
have
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
a mountain or tall hill
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
capriciouslyadverbUS /kəˈprɪʃɪsli/
unpredictably
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
carelesslyadverbUS /ˈkerləsli/
without care or concern
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
a state at a particular time
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
coursesnounUS /ˈkɔːrsəz/
plural of “course” — education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
deliberationnounUS /dɪˌlɪbərˈeɪʃən/
(usually plural) discussion of all sides of a question
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
divisible by two
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
fluctuatingadjectiveUS /ˈflʌktʃəweɪtɪŋ/
having unpredictable ups and downs
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
in a free manner
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
glisteningadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪsənɪŋ/
reflecting light
From this reading Renown'd metropolis, With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton.
gratificationnounUS /ˌɡrætəfəˈkeɪʃən/
state of being gratified or satisfied
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
an established custom
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
hesitatingadjectiveUS /ˈhezəteɪtɪŋ/
lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
indecisionnounUS /ˌɪndɪˈsɪʒən/
doubt concerning two or more possible alternatives or courses of action
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
involvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlvd/
connected by participation or association or use
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
irritatedadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtəd/
aroused to impatience or anger
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
JonsonnounUS /ˈdʒɑːnsən/
English dramatist and poet who was the first real poet laureate of England (1572-1637)
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
Letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
metropolisnounUS /məˈtrɑːpələs/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Renown'd metropolis, With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton.
MiltonnounUS /ˈmɪltən/
English poet; remembered primarily as the author of an epic poem describing humanity's fall from grace (1608-1674)
From this reading Renown'd metropolis, With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
used to form the superlative
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
not one thing; not anything
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
pinnacles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Renown'd metropolis, With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton.
plural of “question” — an instance of questioning
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
quicksilveradjectiveUS /ˈkwɪkˈsɪlvər/
liable to sudden unpredictable change
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
Renown'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Renown'd metropolis, With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton.
respectingverbUS /riˈspektɪŋ/
-ing form of “respect” — regard highly; think much of
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
situationsnounUS /ˌsɪtʃuːˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “situation” — the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
spiresnounUS /spaɪrz/
plural of “spire” — a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top
From this reading Renown'd metropolis, With glistening spires and pinnacles adorn'd.--Milton.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
express a supposition
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/
closely encircling
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
suspensenounUS /səˈspens/
apprehension about what is going to happen
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading It is strange, in the life of man, always fluctuating as he is between hope and fear, gratification and disappointment, with nothing fixed in his state of existence, and uncertainty surrounding him on every side, that suspense should be to him the most painful of all situations.
experiencing or marked by or causing sadness or sorrow or discontent
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
veinsnounUS /veɪnz/
plural of “vein” — a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
vexedadjectiveUS /vekst/
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
at the time that
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
which person or people
From this reading Who is it that has not often felt irritated, vexed, and unhappy, when hesitating between two different courses of action, even when the subject of deliberation involved but a trifle?
in the company of; together with
From this reading Let us Act freely, carelessly, and capriciously, as if our veins Ran with quicksilver.--Ben Jonson.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
but in spite of that
From this reading One would suppose that habit would have rendered it easy for him to bear; and yet, beyond all questions, every condition of doubt, from uncertainty respecting our fate, to mere indecision of judgment, are all, more or less, painful in their degree.
