Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

a French abbot

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

A place of study or training in a special field of knowledge and arts.

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

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

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

(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 WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

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

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

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

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

the time of person's life when they are a child

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

the body of faculty and students of a college

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

morally reprehensible

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading I do not think, however, that the latter suffered by our freedom from restraint.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

surpassing what is common or usual or expected

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

undergo or live through a difficult experience

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

past form of “flatter” — praise somewhat dishonestly

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

a person who lacks good judgment

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

the condition of being free; the power to act or speak or think without externally imposed restraints

From this reading I do not think, however, that the latter suffered by our freedom from restraint.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

plural of “genius” — someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

a man of refinement

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

an established custom

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

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

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

kindness in welcoming guests or strangers

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading I do not think, however, that the latter suffered by our freedom from restraint.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

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

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

past form of “initiate” — bring into being

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

a manual usually accompanying a technical device and explaining how to install or operate it

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

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

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading I do not think, however, that the latter suffered by our freedom from restraint.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

a legal document giving official permission to do something

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

has a good chance of being the case or of coming about

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

social deportment

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

motivation based on ideas of right and wrong

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

in an essential manner

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

not any; not one

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

the act of making and recording a measurement

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

on one occasion

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

characterized by or characteristic of exceptionally early development or maturity (especially in mental aptitude)

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

born after a gestation period of less than the normal time

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

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

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

past form of “render” — cause to become

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

the act of controlling by restraining someone or something

From this reading I do not think, however, that the latter suffered by our freedom from restraint.

living in or characteristic of farming or country life

From this reading RURAL HOSPITALITY.--AN EXTRAORDINARY GUEST.--A FIN$ GENTLEMAN IS NOT NECESSARILY A FOOL.

an educational institution

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

make strong or stronger

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

past form of “suffer” — undergo or be subjected to

From this reading I do not think, however, that the latter suffered by our freedom from restraint.

concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

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

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading I do not think, however, that the latter suffered by our freedom from restraint.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

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

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Our academy, too, had been more like a college than a school; and we had enjoyed a license that seemed to the superficial more likely to benefit our manners than to strengthen our morals.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

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

From this reading WE were all three (my brothers and myself) precocious geniuses.

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

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.

characteristic of or devoted to the temporal world as opposed to the spiritual world

From this reading Our early instructions, under a man like the Abbe, at once learned and worldly, and the society into which we had been initiated from our childhood, made us premature adepts in the manners of the world; and I, in especial, flattered myself that a quick habit of observation rendered me no despicable profiter by my experience.