1747
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
24
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading LONDON, February 24, O. S.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
accurateadjectiveUS /ˈækjərət/
conforming exactly or almost exactly to fact or to a standard or performing with total accuracy
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
AmusementsnounUS /əˈmjuːzmənts/
plural of “amusement” — a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
answerverbUS /ˈænsər/
react verbally
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
apprehensiveadjectiveUS /ˌæprɪˈhensɪv/
quick to understand
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
assuringadjectiveUS /əˈʃʊrɪŋ/
giving confidence
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
conformverbUS /kənˈfɔːrm/
be similar, be in line with
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
dailyadverbUS /ˈdeɪli/
every day; without missing a day
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
discussverbUS /dɪˈskʌs/
to consider or examine in speech or writing
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
excelverbUS /ɪkˈsel/
distinguish oneself
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
FebruarynounUS /ˈfebjəweri/
the month following January and preceding March
From this reading LONDON, February 24, O. S.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
forgetverbUS /fərˈɡet/
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
forgettingverbUS /fərˈɡetɪŋ/
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
gayadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
grammaticaladjectiveUS /ɡrəˈmætəkəl/
of or pertaining to grammar
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
GreeknounUS /ɡriːk/
the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
honornounUS /ˈɑːnər/
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
illadjectiveUS /ɪl/
affected by an impairment of normal physical or mental function
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
IndividualsnounUS /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒəwəlz/
plural of “individual” — a human being
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
keepverbUS /kiːp/
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
languagenounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒ/
a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
languagesnounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒəz/
plural of “language” — a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
LatinadjectiveUS /ˈlætən/
of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
LawnounUS /lɔː/
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
leaveverbUS /liːv/
go away from a place
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
LONDONnounUS /ˈlʌndən/
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading LONDON, February 24, O. S.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
mentionverbUS /ˈmenʃən/
make reference to
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
NationsnounUS /ˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
NaturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
neglectverbUS /nəˈɡlekt/
leave undone or leave out
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
NotadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
OnounUS /oʊ/
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading LONDON, February 24, O. S.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
offadverbUS /ɔːf/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
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 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
orthographynounUS /ɔːrˈθɑːɡrəfi/
a method of representing the sounds of a language by written or printed symbols
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
PeoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
permitnounUS /pərˈmɪt/
a legal document giving official permission to do something
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
PleasuresnounUS /ˈpleʒərz/
plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
practicenounUS /ˈpræktəs/
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
prattleverbUS /ˈprætəl/
speak (about unimportant matters) rapidly and incessantly
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
probableadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːbəbəl/
likely but not certain to be or become true or real
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
properadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːpər/
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
puritynounUS /ˈpjʊrəti/
being undiluted or unmixed with extraneous material
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
reciprocallyadverb
(often followed by “for”) in exchange or in reciprocation
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
reservenounUS /rɪˈzɜːrv/
formality and propriety of manner
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
RightsnounUS /raɪts/
plural of “right” — an abstract idea of that which is due to a person or governmental body by law or tradition or nature
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
SnounUS /es/
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading LONDON, February 24, O. S.
sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/
Identical; not different.
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
SIRnounUS /sɜːr/
term of address for a man
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
speakverbUS /spiːk/
express in speech
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
sprightlyadjectiveUS /ˈspraɪtli/
full of spirit and vitality
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
subjectsnounUS /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
truthnounUS /truːθ/
a fact that has been verified
From this reading I shall not therefore mention to you, at present, your Greek or Latin, your study of the Law of Nature, or the Law of Nations, the Rights of People, or of Individuals; but rather discuss the subject of your Amusements and Pleasures; for, to say the truth, one must have some.
two-thirdsnounUS /ˌtuːˈθɜːrdz/
two of three equal parts of a divisible whole
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading However, as this is a language very proper for sprightly, gay subjects, I shall conform to that, and reserve those which are serious for English.
wantverbUS /wɑːnt/
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
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 Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
writeverbUS /raɪt/
produce a literary work
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/
the act of creating written works
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading 1747 SIR: In order that we may, reciprocally, keep up our French, which, for want of practice, we might forget; you will permit me to have the honor of assuring you of my respects in that language: and be so good to answer me in the same.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Not that I am apprehensive of your forgetting to speak French: since it is probable that two-thirds of our daily prattle is in that language; and because, if you leave off writing French, you may perhaps neglect that grammatical purity, and accurate orthography, which, in other languages, you excel in; and really, even in French, it is better to write well than ill.
