used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
the state of being absent
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
admirableadjectiveUS /ˈædmərəbəl/
deserving of the highest esteem or admiration
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
a feeling of delighted approval and liking
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
bordernounUS /ˈbɔːrdər/
a line that indicates a boundary
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
colouringnounUS /ˈkʌlərrɪŋ/
a digestible substance used to give color to food
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
commandingadjectiveUS /kəˈmændɪŋ/
used of a height or viewpoint
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
connotesverbUS /kəˈnoʊts/
third-person singular of “connote” — express or state indirectly
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
curbingnounUS /ˈkɜːrbɪŋ/
an edge between a sidewalk and a roadway consisting of a line of curbstones (usually forming part of a gutter)
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
deepestadjectiveUS /ˈdiːpəst/
superlative of “deep” — relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
depriveverbUS /dɪˈpraɪv/
take away possessions from someone
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
deservingadjectiveUS /dɪˈzɜːrvɪŋ/
(often used ironically) worthy of being treated in a particular way
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
a powerful effect or influence
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
forciblyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrsəbli/
in a forcible manner
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
usually; as a rule
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
impliesverbUS /ˌɪmˈplaɪz/
third-person singular of “imply” — express or state indirectly
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
loweringadjectiveUS /ˈloʊərɪŋ/
darkened by clouds
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
martyrnounUS /ˈmɑːrtər/
one who suffers for the sake of principle
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
martyrsnounUS /ˈmɑːrtərz/
plural of “martyr” — one who suffers for the sake of principle
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
Massinger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
a feeling of thoughtful sadness
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
opposingadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzɪŋ/
characterized by active hostility
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
passionsnounUS /ˈpæʃənz/
plural of “passion” — a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
passiveadjectiveUS /ˈpæsɪv/
lacking in energy or will
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
a person who requires medical care
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
penitentnounUS /ˈpenɪtɪnt/
(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
possession of controlling influence
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
praiseworthyadjectiveUS /ˈpreɪzwɜːrði/
worthy of high praise
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
proportionnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃən/
the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
on the contrary
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
ResignationnounUS /ˌrezəɡˈneɪʃən/
acceptance of despair
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
past form of “reveal” — make visible
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
rigidadjectiveUS /ˈrɪdʒəd/
incapable of or resistant to bending
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
sanctimoniousadjectiveUS /ˌsæŋktəˈmoʊniəs/
excessively or hypocritically pious
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
self-restraintnoun
exhibiting restraint imposed on the self
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
sneakverbUS /sniːk/
to go stealthily or furtively
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
a state of acute pain
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
temptationnounUS /temˈteɪʃən/
something that seduces or has the quality to seduce
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Resignation and self-restraint are admirable qualities, but admirable in proportion to the force of the opposing temptation.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
undoubtedlyadverbUS /ənˈdaʊtɪdli/
without doubt; certainly
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
vigorousadjectiveUS /ˈvɪɡərəs/
characterized by forceful and energetic action or activity
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
virtuesnounUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/
plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
From this reading Such passive virtues are undoubtedly most praiseworthy; but they may border upon qualities not quite so praiseworthy.
vitalitynounUS /vaɪˈtæləti/
an energetic style
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
wanting in physical strength
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
at the time that
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading The strong man curbing his passions, the weak woman finding strength in patient suffering, are deserving of our deepest admiration; but in Massinger we feel that the triumph of virtue implies rather a want of passion than a power of commanding it, and that resignation is comparatively easy when it connotes an absence of active force.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The general lowering of vitality, the want of rigid dramatic colouring, deprive his martyrs of that background of vigorous reality against which their virtues would be forcibly revealed.
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading It is a melancholy truth that your martyr is apt to be a little sanctimonious, and that a penitent is generally a bit of a sneak.
