used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
acquirements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
aimsnounUS /eɪmz/
plural of “aim” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
(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 “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Wisdom and Foolishness.
astonishingadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
for the reason that
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
commonplaceadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/
completely ordinary and unremarkable
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
conferringverbUS /kənˈfɜːrɪŋ/
inflected form of “confer” — have a conference in order to talk something over
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
carefully weighed
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
cultivationnounUS /ˌkʌltɪˈveɪʃən/
socialization through training and education to develop one's mind or manners
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
EdgarnounUS /ˈedɡər/
the younger brother of Edwy who became king of Northumbria when it renounced Edwy; on Edwy's death he succeeded to the throne of England (944-975)
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
divisible by two
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
FoolishnessnounUS /ˈfuːlɪʃnəs/
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading Wisdom and Foolishness.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
hesitatingadjectiveUS /ˈhezəteɪtɪŋ/
lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
low or inferior in station or quality
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
a polite name for any woman
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
matter-of-factadjective
not fanciful or imaginative
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
meaningsnounUS /ˈmiːnɪŋz/
plural of “meaning” — the message that is intended or expressed or signified
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
misunderstoodadjectiveUS /ˌmɪsəndərˈstʊd/
wrongly understood
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
modestynounUS /ˈmɑːdəsti/
freedom from vanity or conceit
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
mournfullyadverb
in a mournful manner
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
not any; not one
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
a separate part of a whole
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
pretensionsnounUS /prəˈtenʃənz/
plural of “pretension” — a false or unsupportable quality
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
professionaladjectiveUS /prəˈfeʃənəl/
engaged in a profession or engaging in as a profession or means of livelihood
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
on the contrary
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
precisely, exactly
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
in an unfortunate way
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
your consciousness of your own identity
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
express in speech
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
subversivenounUS /səbˈvɜːrsɪv/
a radical supporter of political or social revolution
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
thoroughadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːroʊ/
painstakingly careful and accurate
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
totallyadverbUS /ˈtoʊtəli/
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
trainedadjectiveUS /treɪnd/
shaped or conditioned or disciplined by training; often used as a combining form
From this reading “It is astonishing,” said Lady Mary, mournfully, “how entirely one is misunderstood in all one’s deeper meanings--even by those one has, so to speak, trained one’s self.”
unworthyadjectiveUS /ənˈwɜːrði/
lacking in value or merit
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
being of use or service
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
precisely as stated
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “Oh, no, not at all an unworthy sentiment; indeed, very right in its way; but totally subversive,” said Lady Mary, sadly, “of the highest principle of education, which aims at thorough cultivation of the mind rather than at conferring certain commonplace matter-of-fact acquirements.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading Wisdom and Foolishness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Considered in that point of view, professional education would be the highest, which I don’t think it is.
an affirmative
From this reading “Yes,” said Edgar, hesitating, with the modesty that became his humble pretensions; “but, after all, to desire a piece of knowledge because it is useful, is not an unworthy sentiment.”
