used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
in addition
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
audiencesnounUS /ˈɑːdiənsəz/
plural of “audience” — a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
bygonenounUS /ˈbaɪɡɔːn/
past events to be put aside
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
call-boy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
a person who is in charge
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
comicadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmɪk/
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
CORIOLANUS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
the specified day of the month
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
declineverbUS /dɪˈklaɪn/
grow worse
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
dramanounUS /ˈdrɑːmə/
a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
entrancedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtrænst/
filled with wonder and delight
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
FORREST
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
usually; as a rule
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
HAMLETnounUS /ˈhæmlət/
a community of people smaller than a village
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
IMAGINATIVEadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒənətɪv/
(used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
LEARnounUS /lɪr/
British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
MACBETHnounUS /məkˈbeθ/
king of Scotland (died in 1057)
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
not one, and not any
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
OTHELLOnounUS /əˈθeloʊ/
the hero of William Shakespeare's tragedy who would not trust his wife
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
the local environment
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
PORTRAITUREnoun
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
preferencenounUS /ˈprefərəns/
a strong liking
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
RICHARD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
RICHELIEUnounUS /ˈrɪʃəluː/
French prelate and statesman; principal minister to Louis XIII (1585-1642)
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
ROLESnounUS /roʊlz/
plural of “role” — the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
sensationaladjectiveUS /senˈseɪʃənəl/
causing intense interest, curiosity, or emotion
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading FORREST IN SEVEN OF HIS CHIEF ROLES.—CHARACTERS OF IMAGINATIVE PORTRAITURE.—RICHELIEU.—MACBETH.—RICHARD.—HAMLET.—CORIOLANUS.—OTHELLO.— LEAR.
spectacularadjectiveUS /spekˈtækjələr/
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
sublimeadjectiveUS /səˈblaɪm/
inspiring awe
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
summonverbUS /ˈsʌmən/
call in an official matter, such as to attend court
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
in or at that place or location
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There also appears for the time to be a decline in the popular taste for the serious and lofty drama, and a general preference for sensational, comic, and spectacular plays.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading In vain does the call-boy summon the sublime characters and parts that entranced the audiences of a bygone generation.
which person or people
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
in the company of; together with
From this reading They seem to have died with the strong and stately actors who gave them such noble life and motion.
the act of creating written works
From this reading At the date of this writing, although there are many good actors in America, there are none who are generally recognized as great.
