used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
anew
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
attire-has
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
of short duration or distance
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
chancedverbUS /tʃænst/
past form of “chance” — be the case by chance
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
decadenounUS /deˈkeɪd/
a period of 10 years
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
departmentnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənt/
a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
desirableadjectiveUS /dɪˈzaɪrəbəl/
worth having or seeking or achieving
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
devoursverbUS /dɪˈvaʊərz/
third-person singular of “devour” — destroy completely
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
didacticadjectiveUS /daɪˈdæktɪk/
instructive (especially excessively)
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
discouragedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒd/
made less hopeful or enthusiastic
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
-ing form of “do” — engage in
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
doomedadjectiveUS /duːmd/
marked for certain death
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
eccentricadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsentrɪk/
conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
elucidationnoun
an act of explaining that serves to clear up and cast light on
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
a division of the United Kingdom
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
divisible by two
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
explainingverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
flippancynoun
inappropriate levity
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
formulanounUS /ˈfɔːrmjələ/
a group of symbols that make a mathematical statement
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
functionnounUS /ˈfʌŋkʃən/
(mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function)
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
hardiestadjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrdiəst/
superlative of “hardy” — having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
introductoryadjectiveUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌktəri/
serving to open or begin
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
latter-dayadjective
belonging to the present or recent times
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
the literary culture
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
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 Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
engage in
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
modenounUS /moʊd/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
of an obscure nature
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
an event that occurs at a critical time
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
prefacenounUS /ˈprefəs/
a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
prefaces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
prevalentadjectiveUS /ˈprevələnt/
most frequent or common
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
with speed
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
responsibilitynounUS /riˌspɑːnsəˈbɪləti/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
revolutionnounUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃən/
a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
succeedingadjectiveUS /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/
coming after or following
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
sun-not
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
propel through the air
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
twistverbUS /twɪst/
to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
variableadjectiveUS /ˈveriəbəl/
liable to or capable of change
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
variationsnounUS /ˌveriˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “variation” — an instance of change; the rate or magnitude of change
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Upon occasion it has been thought desirable to throw upon this introductory formula the responsibility of explaining everything that was to follow in the book, and, again, nothing has seemed further from the proper function of a preface than elucidation of any sort.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
whimsnounUS /wɪmz/
plural of “whim” — a sudden desire
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Now it has been the rule to make them long and didactic, and now brief and with a twist toward flippancy.
woman'snounUS /ˈwʊmənz/
possessive form of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading In nothing else under the latter-day sun-not even in the mysterious department of woman’s attire-has Fashion been more variable, or more eccentric in its variations, than in the matter of prefaces.
produce a literary work
From this reading Sometimes the prevalent mode has discouraged prefaces altogether--and thus it happens that the present author, doomed to be doing in England at least something of what the English do, has never before chanced to write one.
a late time of life
From this reading The eternal revolution of letters devours its own children so rapidly that for the hardiest of them ten years count as a generation; each succeeding decade has whims of its own about prefaces.
