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Joseph Andrews, Vol. 1
Joseph Andrews, Vol. 1

Chapter I

Cover illustration for Joseph Andrews, Vol. 1
Context Illustration Reading 1/56 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_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.
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.
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.
His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.
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.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Joseph Andrews, Vol. 1

Chapter I

Reading 1/56 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_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.
Line 2
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.
Line 3
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.
Line 4
His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.
Line 5
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.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /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.”

Different noun US /ˈdifferent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.”

Folly noun US /ˈfɑːli/

an action or decision that shows a lack of good judgment

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.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Itself pronoun US /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.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Left noun US /left/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

One pronoun US /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.”

Order noun US /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.”

Reasons noun US /ˈreasons/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

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.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Upon preposition US /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.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.”

All words in this reading · 135

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

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.

Adams

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.

all

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.

almost

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.

always

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

amusements

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.

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.

anticipated

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.

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.

author

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.

best

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.

book

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.

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.

company

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.

comparatively

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

concerning

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.

confession

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

considerable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

critic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

dangerous

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.

departure

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.

depreciatory

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

described

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.

descriptions

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.

differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.

dissertation

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.

edition

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

encomiastic

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

evil

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.

excellence

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.

few

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.

Fielding

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.

follynounUS /ˈfɑːli/

an action or decision that shows a lack of good judgment

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.

further

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

genius

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.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

high

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.

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.

indulgence

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.

interesting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

introductions

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.

involuntary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

ironic

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.

irony

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

jest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

Jones

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.

judges

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.

kinds

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.

known

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

likely

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

low

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.

Many

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

men

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.

merely

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.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

more

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.

Mrs

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.

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.

novelist

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.

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.

offered

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

once

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.

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 /order/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His work in other kinds is of a very different order of excellence.

own

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.

particular

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.

pass

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.

people

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.

plight

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.

posterity

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

pretentious

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.

prodigious

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.

production

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.

reader

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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 /ˈreasons/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

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.

ruthless

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

say

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

selection

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

spoken

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

sufficiently

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

suffrage

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.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

temper

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.

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.

There

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.

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 /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

times

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

Tom

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.

too

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

true

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

two

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

ungrateful

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

unintentionally

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.

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.

vanity

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

verdict

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.

very

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.

volumes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

well

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

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.

whole

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.

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.

word

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

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.

work

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.