AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
AdamsnounUS /ˈædəmz/
American Revolutionary leader and patriot; an organizer of the Boston Tea Party and signer of the Declaration of Independence (1722-1803)
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
amusementsnounUS /əˈmjuːzmənts/
plural of “amusement” — a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
anticipatedadjectiveUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
booknounUS /bʊk/
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
companynounUS /ˈkʌmpəniː/
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
concerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/
-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
confessionnounUS /kənˈfeʃən/
an admission of misdeeds or faults
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
considerableadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərəbəl/
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
dangerousadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪndʒərəs/
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
departurenounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/
the act of departing
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
depreciatoryadjective
tending to decrease or cause a decrease in value
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
describedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskraɪbd/
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
descriptionsnounUS /dɪˈskrɪpʃənz/
plural of “description” — a statement that represents something in words
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.
dissertationnounUS /ˌdɪsərˈteɪʃən/
a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research; usually a requirement for an advanced academic degree
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
editionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
encomiasticadjective
formally expressing praise
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
ever-increasing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
evilnounUS /ˈiːvəl/
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
excellencenounUS /ˈeksələns/
the quality of excelling; possessing good qualities in high degree
From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.
fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
FieldingnounUS /ˈfiːldɪŋ/
(baseball) handling the ball while playing in the field
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
follynounUS /ˈfɑːli/
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
furtheradverbUS /ˈfɜːrðər/
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 It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
geniusnounUS /ˈdʒiːnjəs/
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
indulgencenounUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒəns/
an inability to resist the gratification of whims and desires
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
interestingadjectiveUS /ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
introductionsnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃənz/
plural of “introduction” — the act of beginning something new
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
involuntaryadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvɑːlənteri/
not subject to the control of the will
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
ironicadjectiveUS /aɪˈrɑːnɪk/
humorously sarcastic or mocking
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
ironynounUS /ˈaɪrəni/
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
jestnounUS /dʒest/
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
JonesnounUS /dʒoʊnz/
United States labor leader (born in Ireland) who helped to found the Industrial Workers of the World (1830-1930)
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
judgesnounUS /ˈdʒʌdʒɪz/
a book of the Old Testament that tells the history of Israel under the leaders known as judges
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/
apprehended with certainty
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
lastadjectiveUS /læst/
immediately past
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
leastadjectiveUS /liːst/
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 But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
leftnounUS /left/
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
likelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪkli/
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
ManyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
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 If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
merelyadverbUS /ˈmɪrli/
and nothing more
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
novelistnounUS /ˈnɑːvələst/
one who writes novels
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/
past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
onceadverbUS /wʌns/
on one occasion
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
passverbUS /pæs/
go across or through
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
plightnounUS /plaɪt/
a situation from which extrication is difficult especially an unpleasant or trying one
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
posteritynounUS /pɑːˈsterəti/
all of the offspring of a given progenitor
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
pretentiousadjectiveUS /priˈtenʃəs/
making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
prodigiousadjectiveUS /prəˈdɪdʒəs/
so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
productionnounUS /prəˈdʌkʃən/
the act or process of producing something
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
reasonsnounUS /ˈriːzənz/
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
ruthlessadjectiveUS /ˈruːθləs/
without mercy or pity
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/
Identical; not different.
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
selectionnounUS /səˈlekʃən/
the act of choosing or selecting
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
serio-comic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
Slipslop's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
spokenadjectiveUS /ˈspoʊkən/
uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
sufficientlyadverbUS /səˈfɪʃəntli/
to a sufficient degree
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
suffragenounUS /ˈsʌfrɪdʒ/
a legal right guaranteed by the 15th amendment to the US Constitution; guaranteed to women by the 19th amendment
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
takeverbUS /teɪk/
carry out
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
tempernounUS /ˈtempər/
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
timesnounUS /taɪmz/
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
TomnounUS /tɑːm/
male cat
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
tooadverbUS /tuː/
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
trueadjectiveUS /truː/
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
ungratefuladjectiveUS /ənˈɡreɪtfəl/
not feeling or showing gratitude
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
unintentionallyadverbUS /ˌʌnɪnˈtenʃənəli/
without intention; in an unintentional manner
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
vanitynounUS /ˈvænəti/
feelings of excessive pride
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
verdictnounUS /ˈvɜːrdɪkt/
(law) the findings of a jury on issues of fact submitted to it for decision; can be used in formulating a judgment
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
volumesnounUS /ˈvɑːljuːmz/
plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
welladverbUS /wel/
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading It is sufficiently interesting at times in itself; and always more than sufficiently interesting as his; for which reasons, as well as for the further one that it is comparatively little known, a considerable selection from it is offered to the reader in the last two volumes of this edition.
wentverbUS /went/
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading But when Fielding, in one of his serio-comic introductions to _Tom Jones_, described it as "this prodigious work," he all unintentionally (for he was the least pretentious of men) anticipated the verdict which posterity almost at once, and with ever-increasing suffrage of the best judges as time went on, was about to pass not merely upon this particular book, but upon his whole genius and his whole production as a novelist.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
wordnounUS /wɜːrd/
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading If the irony is depreciatory, posterity is but too likely to say, "Many a true word is spoken in jest;" if it is encomiastic, the same ruthless and ungrateful critic is but too likely to take it as an involuntary confession of folly and vanity.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading _A dissertation concerning high people and low people, with Mrs Slipslop's departure in no very good temper of mind, and the evil plight in which she left Adams and his company_ There are few amusements more dangerous for an author than the indulgence in ironic descriptions of his own work.
