Chapter I · Chapter 1

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

gotten through environmental forces

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

of or relating to or responsible for administration

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

later than; following

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

providing enjoyment; pleasantly entertaining

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

the act of putting a person into a non-elective position

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

a person whose creative work shows sensitivity and imagination

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

brought into existence

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

the largest city in India and one of the largest cities in the world; located in eastern India; suffers from poverty and overcrowding

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

a university in England

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

represent in or produce a caricature of

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

a Carthusian monastery

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

someone who communicates by means of letters

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

an act that fails

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

the act of playing for stakes in the hope of winning (including the payment of a price for a chance to win a prize)

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

something acquired without compensation

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

highest in quality

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

plural of “illustration” — artwork that helps make something clear or attractive

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

of great significance or value

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

a republic in the Asian subcontinent in southern Asia; second most populous country in the world; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1947

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

arousing or holding the attention

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

newspapers and magazines collectively

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

the month following June and preceding August

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

joined in matrimony

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

used to form the superlative

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

plural of “novelist” — one who writes novels

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

plural of “picture” — a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

the particular portion of space occupied by something

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

conduct a prosecution in a court of law

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

deliver a quick blow to

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

(chemistry) two or more atoms bound together as a single unit and forming part of a molecule

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

-ing form of “review” — look at again; examine again

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

100 senti equal 1 kroon in Estonia

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

lasting a very short time

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

an ability that has been acquired by training

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

of or relating to technique or proficiency in a practical skill

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

English writer (born in India) (1811-1863)

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."

moved around an axis or center

From this reading He had some natural gift for drawing, which he had already employed in caricature, but, though he made interesting and amusing illustrations for his books, he never acquired any marked technical skill._ _He now turned to literature, and, on the strength of an appointment as Paris correspondent of a short-lived radical newspaper, he married.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Having lost his means, in part by gambling, he made up his mind to earn his living as an artist, and went to Paris to study.

in or at the place that

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He was sent to England at six for his education, which he received at the Charterhouse and Cambridge, after which he began, but did not prosecute, the study of law.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading _William Makepeace Thackeray, one of the greatest of English novelists, was born at Calcutta, India, on July 18, 1811, where his father held an administrative position.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading On the failure of the newspaper he took to miscellaneous journalism and the reviewing of books and pictures, his most important work appearing in "Fraser's Magazine" and "Punch."