1803
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
1807
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
acquaintanceshipnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsʃɪp/
a relationship less intimate than friendship
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
admirernounUS /ædˈmaɪrər/
a person who backs a politician or a team etc.
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
(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 The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
ALLAN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
ardentadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdənt/
characterized by intense emotion
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
availing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
conceivedverbUS /kənˈsiːvd/
past form of “conceive” — have the idea for
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
correspondencenounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
a statement that represents something in words
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
favoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
having or given a form or shape
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
illustratedverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪtəd/
past form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
longedverbUS /lɔːŋd/
past form of “long” — desire strongly or persistently
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
prolonged unfulfilled desire or need
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
go across or through
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
a writer of poems (the term is usually reserved for writers of good poetry)
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
privilegenounUS /ˈprɪvlədʒ/
a special advantage or immunity or benefit not enjoyed by all
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
QUINCEY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
having a supporting base
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
timiditynounUS /təˈmɪdəti/
fear of the unknown or unfamiliar or fear of making decisions
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
upwardsadverbUS /ˈʌpwərdz/
spatially or metaphorically from a lower to a higher position
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
waywardadjectiveUS /ˈweɪwərd/
resistant to guidance or discipline
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He has given an interesting account of the way in which the acquaintanceship was first formed.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The characteristic timidity of this wayward genius is illustrated by the fact, that although De Quincey had conceived an eager longing to form the personal acquaintance of Wordsworth, and had been favoured with a standing invitation to visit him, he allowed upwards of four years to pass without availing himself of the privilege of the meeting, "for which, beyond all things under heaven, he longed."
WORDSWORTHnounUS /ˈwɜːrdzwərθ/
a romantic English poet whose work was inspired by the Lake District where he spent most of his life (1770-1850)
From this reading DE QUINCEY.--HIS DESCRIPTION OF MISS WORDSWORTH.--ALLAN BANK.
Wordsworths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading It was in the year 1807 that De Quincey was added to the number of the literary friends of the Wordsworths.
a late time of life
From this reading He had, indeed, been for some years an ardent admirer of the poet, and had had some correspondence with him in 1803.
