used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
abilitiesnounUS /əˈbɪlətiːz/
plural of “ability” — the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
acquiresverbUS /əˈkwaɪərz/
third-person singular of “acquire” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
how long something has existed
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
boastverbUS /boʊst/
show off
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
fearless and daring
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
DRYDENnounUS /ˈdraɪdən/
the outstanding poet and dramatist of the Restoration (1631-1700)
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
being one more than seven
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
Ernest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
Ferrers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
GrovenounUS /ɡroʊv/
a small growth of trees without underbrush
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
HELVETIUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
ten 10s
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
interpretedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɜːrprətəd/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
and nothing more
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
Lumley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
Maltravers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
not any; not one
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
the body of people in a learned occupation
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
in the right manner; correctly; suitably
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
worried and uneasy
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
Sagaciousadjective
acutely insightful and wise
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
a number or letter indicating quality (especially of a student's performance)
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
talentnounUS /ˈtælənt/
natural abilities or qualities
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
turbulentadjectiveUS /ˈtɜːrbjələnt/
characterized by unrest or disorder or insubordination
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
twenty-sixadjective
being six more than twenty
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
unfixedadjective
not firmly placed or set or fastened
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
under normal conditions
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
precisely as stated
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
at the time that
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
Whoever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Whoever acquires a very great number of ideas interesting to the society in which he lives, will be regarded in that society as a man of abilities.”--HELVETIUS.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading “Sagacious, bold, and turbulent of wit, Restless--unfixed in principles and place.”--DRYDEN.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Lumley Ferrers had not what is usually called genius; that is, he had no enthusiasm; and if the word talent be properly interpreted as meaning the talent of doing something better than others, Ferrers had not much to boast of on that score.
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading The name of this young man was Lumley Ferrers, his age was about twenty-six, his fortune about eight hundred a year--he followed no profession.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading IT was just when Ernest Maltravers was so bad that he could not be worse that a young man visited Temple Grove.
