14
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
1871
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Denmark Hill, 1st June, 1871.
1st
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Denmark Hill, 1st June, 1871.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
any thing at all
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
move towards
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I write of things you care little for, knowing that what you least care for is, at this juncture, of the greatest moment to you.
for the reason that
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
DenmarknounUS /ˈdenmɑːrk/
a constitutional monarchy in northern Europe; consists of the mainland of Jutland and many islands between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea
From this reading Denmark Hill, 1st June, 1871.
desultoryadjectiveUS /ˈdesəltɔːri/
marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
discussionnounUS /dɪˈskʌʃən/
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
echoverbUS /ˈekoʊ/
to say again or imitate
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
highest in quality
From this reading I write of things you care little for, knowing that what you least care for is, at this juncture, of the greatest moment to you.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading Denmark Hill, 1st June, 1871.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
juncturenounUS /ˈdʒʌŋktʃər/
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading I write of things you care little for, knowing that what you least care for is, at this juncture, of the greatest moment to you.
the month following May and preceding July
From this reading Denmark Hill, 1st June, 1871.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading I write of things you care little for, knowing that what you least care for is, at this juncture, of the greatest moment to you.
immediately past
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
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 I write of things you care little for, knowing that what you least care for is, at this juncture, of the greatest moment to you.
the literary culture
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
most important element
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
a particular point in time
From this reading I write of things you care little for, knowing that what you least care for is, at this juncture, of the greatest moment to you.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
needfuladjectiveUS /ˈniːdfəl/
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
not any; not one
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
opinionsnounUS /əˈpɪnjənz/
plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
printnounUS /prɪnt/
the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
on the contrary
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
statedadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtɪd/
declared as fact; explicitly stated
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
express in words
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
a source of difficulty
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
under normal conditions
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I write of things you care little for, knowing that what you least care for is, at this juncture, of the greatest moment to you.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
hope for; have a wish
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading And I write in words you are little likely to understand, because I have no wish (rather the contrary) to tell you anything that you can understand without taking trouble.
the words that are spoken
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
produce a literary work
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
the act of creating written works
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading [14] My Friends, The main purpose of these letters having been stated in the last of them, it is needful that I should tell you why I approach the discussion of it in this so desultory way, writing (as it is too true that I must continue to write,) "of things that you little care for, in words that you cannot easily understand."
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading You usually read so fast that you can catch nothing but the echo of your own opinions, which, of course, you are pleased to see in print.
