used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
AtheniansnounUS /əˈθiːniənz/
plural of “athenian” — a resident of Athens
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
attractionsnounUS /əˈtrækʃənz/
plural of “attraction” — the force by which one object attracts another
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
Bethnal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
food made from dough of flour or meal and usually raised with yeast or baking powder and then baked
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
contemplatingverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “contemplate” — look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
DesiringverbUS /dɪˈzaɪərɪŋ/
-ing form of “desire” — feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
either extremity of something that has length
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading But the excitement of the money-chase was always the same, and Spruce watched the same with great interest.
exhibitedverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪbətəd/
past form of “exhibit” — show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
exploredverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrd/
past form of “explore” — inquire into
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
fanciesnounUS /ˈfænsiz/
plural of “fancy” — something many people believe that is false
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
set up or found
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading But the excitement of the money-chase was always the same, and Spruce watched the same with great interest.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
plural of “head” — the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
huntedadjectiveUS /ˈhʌntəd/
reflecting the fear or terror of one who is hunted
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
indulgeverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒ/
give free rein to
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading But the excitement of the money-chase was always the same, and Spruce watched the same with great interest.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
keen-witted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
in like or similar manner
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
look-out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
money-chase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the excitement of the money-chase was always the same, and Spruce watched the same with great interest.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
mouthsnounUS /maʊðz/
plural of “mouth” — the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
MusesnounUS /ˈmjuːzəz/
plural of “mus” — type genus of the Muridae: common house mice; the tips of the upper incisors have a square notch
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
a surrounding or nearby region
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
nimbleadjectiveUS /ˈnɪmbəl/
moving quickly and lightly
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
observernounUS /əbˈzɜːrvər/
a person who becomes aware (of things or events) through the senses
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
past form of “obtain” — come into possession of
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
inspiring scornful pity
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
Identical; not different.
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
seamyadjectiveUS /ˈsiːmi/
showing a seam
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
shillingnounUS /ˈʃɪlɪŋ/
the basic unit of money in Uganda; equal to 100 cents
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
SprucenounUS /spruːs/
light soft moderately strong wood of spruce trees; used especially for timbers and millwork
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
surroundingsnounUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋz/
the environmental condition
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. Spruce found The Home of the Muses less dull than he expected it to be, in spite of its ridiculous name.
tolerablyadverb
in an acceptable (but not outstanding) manner
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
precisely as stated
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Desiring "something new," after the fashion of the Athenians, he explored Bethnal Green more or less thoroughly, and learned that the seamy side of life here exhibited had attractions for a keen-witted observer, as he truly was.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading But the excitement of the money-chase was always the same, and Spruce watched the same with great interest.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For six days he amused himself very tolerably in contemplating the novelty of his surroundings, and in getting what amusement he could out of the same.
at the time that
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
in the company of; together with
From this reading People in the West End were always on the look-out for money with which to indulge their fancies; people in this neighbourhood hunted likewise for the nimble shilling, but used it when obtained to keep a roof over their heads and bread in their mouths.
