used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
AdvantagesnounUS /ædˈvæntɪdʒɪz/
plural of “advantage” — the quality of having a superior or more favorable position
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
adversitynounUS /ədˈvɝː.sə.t̬i/
Difficulties; misfortune and hardship faced with courage.
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
AdvocacynounUS /ˈædvəkəsi/
active support of an idea or cause etc.; especially the act of pleading or arguing for something
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
a cherished desire
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
assistedadjectiveUS /əˈsɪstɪd/
having help; often used as a combining form
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
brought into existence
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
ButtonnounUS /ˈbʌtən/
a round fastener sewn to shirts and coats etc to fit through buttonholes
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
complexionnounUS /kəmˈplekʃən/
the coloring of a person's face
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
ConspiracynounUS /kənˈspɪrəsi/
a secret agreement between two or more people to perform an unlawful act
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
DirtnounUS /dɜːrt/
the part of the earth's surface consisting of humus and disintegrated rock
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
DouglasnounUS /ˈdʌɡləs/
United States politician who proposed that individual territories be allowed to decide whether they would have slavery; he engaged in a famous series of debates with Abraham Lincoln (1813-1861)
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
earnestnessnounUS /ˈɜːrnəstnəs/
an earnest and sincere feeling
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
educatedadjectiveUS /ˈedʒəkeɪtɪd/
possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
favoured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
set up or found
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
garretnounUS /ˈɡerɪt/
floor consisting of open space at the top of a house just below roof; often used for storage
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
GenteeladjectiveUS /dʒenˈtiːl/
marked by refinement in taste and manners
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
immersedverbUS /ˌɪˈmɜːrst/
past form of “immerse” — thrust or throw into
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
inactivitynounUS /ˌɪnækˈtɪvɪti/
the state of being inactive
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
Jerrold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
LiberaladjectiveUS /ˈlɪbɜːrəl/
showing or characterized by broad-mindedness
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
managernounUS /ˈmænədʒər/
someone who controls resources and expenditures
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
maritimeadjectiveUS /ˈmerətaɪm/
relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
midshipmannounUS /ˈmɪdˈʃɪpmən/
a temporary rank held by young naval officers in training
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
navaladjectiveUS /ˈneɪvəl/
connected with or belonging to or used in a navy
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
owedverbUS /oʊd/
past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
an amount of time
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
PigeonsnounUS /ˈpɪdʒənz/
plural of “pigeon” — wild and domesticated birds having a heavy body and short legs
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
the body of people in a learned occupation
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
sailorsnounUS /ˈseɪlərz/
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
an educational institution
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
seaportnounUS /ˈsiːpɔːrt/
a sheltered port where ships can take on or discharge cargo
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
Sheerness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
any distinct time period in a sequence of events
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
a building where theatrical performances or motion-picture shows can be presented
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On his return, after a short period, he found his father immersed in difficulties, due probably to the inactivity at the seaport in time of peace.
UglinessnounUS /ˈʌɡlinəs/
qualities of appearance that do not give pleasure to the senses
From this reading Douglas Jerrold--Liberal Politics--Advantages of Ugliness--Button Conspiracy--Advocacy of Dirt--The "Genteel Pigeons."
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
in or at the place that
From this reading He was born in a garret at Sheerness, where his father was manager of the theatre; and as he grew up in the seaport among ships, sailors and naval preparations, his ambition was fired, and he entered the service as a midshipman.
which person or people
From this reading There is an earnestness and a political complexion in the humour of Douglas Jerrold, such as might be expected from a man who had been educated in the school of adversity.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Many a man has owed his success in life partly to his following his father's profession, and here fortune favoured Jerrold, as his maritime experiences assisted him as a writer for the stage.
