used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
abnegationnounUS /ˌæbneˈɡeɪʃən/
the denial and rejection of a doctrine or belief
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
inflected form of “admit” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
for the reason that
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
without doubt or question
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
carefully weighed
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
endeavornounUS /ɪnˈdevər/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
essentiallyadverbUS /eˈsenʃəli/
in essence; at bottom or by one's (or its) very nature
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
divisible by two
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
faultsnounUS /fɔːlts/
plural of “fault” — a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
HarveynounUS /ˈhɑːrvi/
English physician and scientist who described the circulation of the blood; he later proposed that all animals originate from an ovum produced by the female of the species (1578-1657)
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
Harvey'snounUS /ˈhɑːrviz/
possessive form of “harvey” — English physician and scientist who described the circulation of the blood; he later proposed that all animals originate from an ovum produced by the female of the species (1578-1657)
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
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 In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
absolutely essential
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
not any; not one
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
nobilitynounUS /noʊˈbɪləti/
a privileged class holding hereditary titles
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
officiallyadverbUS /əˈfɪʃəli/
in an official role
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
and nothing more
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
pietynounUS /ˈpaɪəti/
righteousness by virtue of being pious
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
praiseworthyadjectiveUS /ˈpreɪzwɜːrði/
worthy of high praise
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
with considerable certainty; without much doubt
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
qualifyverbUS /ˈkwɑːləfaɪ/
prove capable or fit; meet requirements
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
rationaladjectiveUS /ˈræʃ.ən.əl/
Based on or in accordance with reason or logic rather than turbulent emotions.
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
saintsnounUS /seɪnts/
plural of “saint” — a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
sinsnounUS /sɪnz/
plural of “sin” — estrangement from god
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
strikinglyadverbUS /ˈstraɪkɪŋli/
in a striking manner
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It must be admitted that there is nothing essentially impossible in the idea of a twentieth-century saint.
in or at that place or location
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In reading the “Lives of the Saints” that had been his companion so long, Harvey had seen this quite clearly.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In many respects Harvey's desire to be a saint might be considered rational and even praiseworthy.
twentieth-century
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To be a saint it was only necessary to be absolutely good, to be free from all great and small sins and faults, and to be strikingly distinguished for acts of piety, grace, abnegation, and for nobility of soul.
which person or people
From this reading If there are no officially recognized twentieth-century saints, it is probably because other lines of high endeavor have seemed more attractive to those who might more or less easily qualify.
