Chapter III

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

possessing life

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

(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 followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

plural of “aspect” — a distinct feature or element in a problem

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

for a short time

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

have

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

happiness felt in a secure relationship

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

the sacred writings of the Christian religions

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

plural of “bible” — the sacred writings of the Christian religions

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

brought into existence

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

navigational instrument for finding directions

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

based primarily on surmise rather than adequate evidence

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

a connection (like a clamp or vise) between two things so they move together

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

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

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

formally expressing praise

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

well known or easily recognized

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

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

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

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

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

plural of “force” — a powerful effect or influence

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

plural of “form” — the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

yet to be or coming

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

a man of refinement

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

the solid part of the earth's surface

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

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

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

where you live at a particular time

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

superlative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

superlative of “large” — above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

immediately past

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

the force of workers available

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

immediately following in time or order

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

not any; not one

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

an expression consisting of one or more words forming a grammatical constituent of a sentence

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

participate in games or sport

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

capable of happening or existing

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

concerned with religion or religious purposes

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

cut with a saw

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

express in words

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

superlative of “simple” — having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

doubtful or suspect

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

to a small degree or extent

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

past form of “spare” — refrain from harming

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

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

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

a discussion intended to produce an agreement

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

in or at that place or location

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

plural of “title” — a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading This made a great coupling of topics for one chapter--Shakespeare and the English Bible!

having tracks

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

a written communication in a second language having the same meaning as the written communication in a first language

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

-ing form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

precisely as stated

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading Next, I spoke of that king of the dramatists who was born at Stratford.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

at the time that

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

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

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

which person or people

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading No two titles in our whole range of talks can or should so interest those who are alive to the felicities of English forms of speech, and who are eager to compass and enjoy its largest and keenest and simplest forces of phrase.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading We were venturing upon almost sacred ground when--in our last chapter--we had somewhat to say of the so-called King James’ Bible; of how it came to bear that name; of those men who were concerned in its translation, and of certain literary qualities belonging to it, which--however excellent other and possible future Bibles may be--will be pretty sure to keep it alive for a very long time to come.

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading We followed him up to London; tracked him awhile there; talked of a few familiar aspects of his life and character; spared you the recital of a world of things--conjectural or eulogistic--which might be said of him; and finally saw him go back to his old home upon the Avon, to play the retired gentleman--last of all his plays--and to die.