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 _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

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

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

relating to or controlled by the autonomic nervous system

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

bring into balance or equilibrium

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

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

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

for the reason that

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

drawn toward a center or brought under the control of a central authority

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

bring under control by force or authority

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

past form of “conquer” — bring under control by force or authority

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

-ing form of “do” — engage in

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

(of time) having passed or slipped by

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

the male ruler of an empire

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

plural of “essential” — anything indispensable

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

plural of “example” — an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

having dropped by the force of gravity

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

a person motivated by irrational enthusiasm (as for a cause)

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

past form of “found” — set up or found

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

past form of “gain” — obtain

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

the body of people who are citizens of a particular government

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

relating to or dealing with the affairs or structure of government or politics or the state

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

plural of “government” — the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

a small number or amount

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

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

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

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

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

beyond belief or understanding

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

past form of “judge” — determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

apprehended with certainty

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

the force of workers available

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

of or relating to the study of the principles of warfare

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

used to form the superlative

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

necessary for relief or supply

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

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

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

not any; not one

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

plural of “noble” — a titled peer of the realm

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

a group of people who work together

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

above and across; more than

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

with regard to social relationships involving authority

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

one who precedes you in time (as in holding a position or office)

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

an inclination to do something

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

be fully aware or cognizant of

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

plural of “remnant” — a small part or portion that remains after the main part no longer exists

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

Identical; not different.

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

plural of “sector” — a plane figure bounded by two radii and the included arc of a circle

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

the act of searching for something

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

ruined or disrupted

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

from a time in the past until now

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

without speed (“slow” is sometimes used informally for “slowly”)

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

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

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

in or at that place or location

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

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

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

tested and proved useful or correct

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

of worldwide scope or applicability

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading The Second Empire was politically unlike the First; it tried to balance a centralized government against the autonomic governments of the various sectors, and had almost succeeded in doing so.

the act of using

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading The First Empire had conquered most of the known universe by political intrigue and sheer military strength; it had fallen because that same propensity for political intrigue had gained over every other strength of the Empire, and the various branches and sectors of the First Empire had begun to use it against one another.

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

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.

(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 Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading But, no matter how governed, there are certain essentials which are needed by any governmental organization.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Without power, neither Civilization nor the Empire could hold itself together, and His Universal Majesty, the Emperor Carl, well knew it.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading _A handful of men, and an incredible adventure--a few super-men, led by a fanatic, seeking to conquer a new world!_ In the seven centuries that had elapsed since the Second Empire had been founded on the shattered remnants of the First, the nobles of the Imperium had come slowly to realize that the empire was not to be judged by the examples of its predecessor.