used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
(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 All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
buttonholenounUS /ˈbʌtənhoʊl/
a hole through which buttons are pushed
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
CAMPBELLnounUS /ˈkæmbəl/
United States mythologist (1904-1987)
From this reading FANNY CAMPBELL.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
commenceverbUS /kəˈmens/
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
commendationnounUS /ˌkɑːmənˈdeɪʃən/
an official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
communicateverbUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪt/
transmit information
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
communicationnounUS /kəˌmjuːnəˈkeɪʃən/
the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnfəˈdenʃəl/
entrusted with private information and the confidence of another
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
endeavorsnounUS /ɪnˈdevərz/
plural of “endeavor” — a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
expensenounUS /ɪkˈspens/
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
FANNYnounUS /ˈfæni/
the fleshy part of the human body that you sit on
From this reading FANNY CAMPBELL.
favorablyadverbUS /ˈfeɪvərəbli/
showing approval
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
ferretingverbUS /ˈferətɪŋ/
-ing form of “ferret” — hound or harry relentlessly
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading We have a few words to say concerning the subject matter of the tale.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
impressionsnounUS /ˌɪmˈpreʃənz/
plural of “impression” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
incurredverbUS /ˌɪnˈkɜːrd/
inflected form of “incur” — make oneself subject to; bring upon oneself; become liable to
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
issuedverbUS /ˈɪʃuːd/
past form of “issue” — prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
liberaladjectiveUS /ˈlɪbɜːrəl/
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading We have a few words to say concerning the subject matter of the tale.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
a particular point in time
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
not any; not one
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading We have been at some considerable expense in ferreting out the events of our tale, which have been cheerfully met by our liberal publisher.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
plotnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
PREFACEnounUS /ˈprefəs/
a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
From this reading PREFACE.
prepossessverb
possess beforehand
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
publishernounUS /ˈpʌblɪʃər/
a firm in the publishing business
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
relatingverbUS /rɪˈleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “relate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
RevolutionnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
romanticadjectiveUS /roʊˈmæntɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of Romanticism or the Romantic Movement in the arts
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
sanctionnounUS /ˈsæŋkʃən/
formal and explicit approval
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
express in words
From this reading We have a few words to say concerning the subject matter of the tale.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
stirringnounUS /ˈstɜːrɪŋ/
agitating a liquid with an implement
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
superbadjectiveUS /sʊˈpɜːrb/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
in the direction of
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
unprejudicedadjective
free from undue bias or preconceived opinions
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
precisely as stated
From this reading It is a very romantic one, but no more so than many others, the incidents of which occurred during the stirring times of the Revolution, and which have since received the sanction of history.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
which person or people
From this reading We are one of those who place great confidence in first impressions, and therefore design that the reader should at least commence our tale unprejudiced.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It is a sort of confidential communication between the author and reader, whom he takes by the buttonhole for a single moment, and endeavors to prepossess favorably towards his story.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
the words that are spoken
From this reading We have a few words to say concerning the subject matter of the tale.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading He will see at a glance that our publisher has passed his judgment in commendation, by the superb manner in which he has issued the work, and the great expense incurred.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading All books should have a preface, for the writer is sure to have something to communicate to the reader concerning the plot of the story or some subject relating to it which he cannot do in the tale.
