AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
attentionnounUS /əˈtenʃən/
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
author'snounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
possessive form of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
authorsnounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
plural of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
BARBARIANSnounUS /bɑːrˈberiənz/
plural of “barbarian” — a member of an uncivilized people
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
booknounUS /bʊk/
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
chieflyadverbUS /ˈtʃiːfli/
for the most part
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
classificationsnounUS /ˌklæsəfəˈkeɪʃənz/
plural of “classification” — the act of distributing things into classes or categories of the same type
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
concernedadjectiveUS /kənˈsɜːrnd/
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
criticizeverbUS /ˈkrɪtɪsaɪz/
find fault with; express criticism of; point out real or perceived flaws
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
criticsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪks/
plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
devoteverbUS /dɪˈvoʊt/
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
dogmatists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
draggingadjectiveUS /ˈdræɡɪŋ/
marked by a painfully slow and effortful manner
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
fallingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːlɪŋ/
decreasing in amount or degree
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A task is there ready for it.
gossipingnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəpɪŋ/
a conversation that spreads personal information about other people
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
hackedverbUS /hækt/
past form of “hack” — cut with a hacking tool
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
hewed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A task is there ready for it.
jobnounUS /dʒɑːb/
the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
LAnounUS /lɑː/
a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
liberaladjectiveUS /ˈlɪbɜːrəl/
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
literaturenounUS /ˈlɪtərətʃər/
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
livesnounUS /lɪvz/
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
lookverbUS /lʊk/
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
MODEnounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
MostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
OurdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
plotsnounUS /plɑːts/
plural of “plot” — a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
politicsnounUS /ˈpɑːlətɪks/
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
principlesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading A task is there ready for it.
resortsnounUS /rɪˈzɔːrts/
plural of “resort” — a hotel located in a resort area
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
statenounUS /steɪt/
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
stretchedadjectiveUS /stretʃt/
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
stylenounUS /staɪl/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
summernounUS /ˈsʌmər/
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
tasknounUS /tæsk/
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading A task is there ready for it.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading A task is there ready for it.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Most of the critics are too busy gossiping about plots and the private lives of authors to devote much attention to principles.
twistedadjectiveUS /ˈtwɪstɪd/
having an intended meaning altered or misrepresented
From this reading Our literature is being stretched and twisted or hacked and hewed by dogmatists.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading BARBARIANS A LA MODE The liberal mind, which just now is out of a job in politics, might very well have a look at the present state of literature.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
writeverbUS /raɪt/
produce a literary work
From this reading But the noble few who still can write about a book without falling into it, or criticize an author's style without dragging in his taste in summer resorts, are chiefly concerned with classifications.
![Definitions [First Series]](/static/images/covers-gen/definitions-essays-in-contemporary-criticism-first-series.webp)