used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
consider or hold as true
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
matters of personal concern
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE BANQUET, AND WHAT FOLLOWED.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
subject to appointment
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
AshtonnounUS /ˈæʃtən/
British choreographer (1906-1988)
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
BANQUETnounUS /ˈbæŋkwət/
a ceremonial dinner party for many people
From this reading THE BANQUET, AND WHAT FOLLOWED.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
financial assistance in time of need
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
committeenounUS /kəˈmɪti/
a special group delegated to consider some matter
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
carefully weighed
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
convictionsnounUS /kənˈvɪkʃənz/
plural of “conviction” — an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
recognizable; marked
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
take in liquids
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading THE BANQUET, AND WHAT FOLLOWED.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
inflected form of “get” — come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
MetropolitanadjectiveUS /ˌmetrəˈpɑːlətən/
relating to or characteristic of a metropolis
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
not any; not one
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
observingadjectiveUS /əbˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
quick to notice; showing quick and keen perception
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
and nothing more
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
a human being
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
pledgeverbUS /pledʒ/
promise solemnly and formally
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
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 When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
provingverbUS /ˈpruːvɪŋ/
-ing form of “prove” — be shown or be found to be
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
free of extraneous elements of any kind
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
Richard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
speciallyadverbUS /ˈspeʃəli/
in a special manner
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
temptedverbUS /ˈtemptɪd/
past form of “tempt” — dispose or incline or entice to
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BANQUET, AND WHAT FOLLOWED.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
in or at that place or location
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
toast-drinking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
the cognitive condition of someone who understands
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
ungraciousadjective
lacking charm and good taste
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
under normal conditions
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
violateverbUS /ˈvaɪəleɪt/
fail to agree with; be in violation of; as of rules or patterns
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Upon the night appointed he went to the banquet, and it passed off as such affairs usually do.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading THE BANQUET, AND WHAT FOLLOWED.
at the time that
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Richard Ashton had been invited by some of his friends to a supper at the Metropolitan Hotel, which had been specially got up for his benefit.
which person or people
From this reading When the members of the committee who had been appointed to wait upon him heard his decision, they said they certainly could not object to his observing his own mind; that they had no desire to cause him to violate his principles; in fact, they gave it as their opinion that there would not be a person present who would not respect him the more for proving that he had the courage of his convictions.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading His first thought was that he would absolutely refuse to accept the invitation--he was afraid he might be tempted to drink; but as he concluded it would be considered ungracious on his part to refuse he decided to go, but only on the understanding if there was any toast-drinking he would be permitted to pledge them in pure cold water.
