Chapter I · Chapter 1

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

the first of the Old Testament patriarchs and the father of Isaac; according to Genesis, God promised to give Abraham's family (the Hebrews) the land of Canaan (the Promised Land); God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

-ing form of “acknowledge” — declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

speak to

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

later than; following

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

outward or visible aspect of a person or thing

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

a group of machine parts that fit together to form a self-contained unit

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

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

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

plural of “discussion” — an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

the organ of sight

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

detected or perceived by the sense of hearing

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

occupied or in the control of; often used in combination

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

indecision in speech or action

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

not solid; having a space or gap or cavity

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

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

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

a midwestern state in north-central United States

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading For an hour and a half he held his audience in the hollow of his hand."

occurring at or characteristic of a formal investiture or induction

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

leader of the Nez Perce in their retreat from United States troops (1840-1904)

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

and nothing more

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

set afire

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

large or big relative to something else

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

16th President of the United States; saved the Union during the American Civil War and emancipated the slaves; was assassinated by Booth (1809-1865)

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

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 This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

used to form the superlative

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

not any; not one

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

a dramatic or musical entertainment

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

having great power or force or potency or effect

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

a substance from which another substance is formed (especially by a metabolic reaction)

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

tending to return to an earlier state

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

plural of “speaker” — someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

plural of “speech” — the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

in or at that place or location

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading After such a performance there could be no hesitation on the part of those that heard it in acknowledging Abraham Lincoln as one of the most powerful speakers of his day.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

plural of “town” — an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

given a completely different form or appearance

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

familiar with many parts of the world

From this reading Before returning to Illinois Lincoln travelled through several of the New England States, making speeches in a number of the larger towns.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

at the time that

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

which person or people

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading This address may be regarded as a precursor, and a worthy precursor, of the First Inaugural, and by many competent critics it has been given the first place among the discussions of the political situation just before the war.

third-person singular of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading The Hon. Joseph H. Choate, who was present, writes of his appearance: "When he spoke he was transformed, his eye kindled, his voice rang, his face shone and seemed to light up the whole assembly.