Chapter XVII

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

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

present in great quantity

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

plural of “activity” — any specific behavior

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

a native or inhabitant of the United States

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

in the middle of; surrounded by

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

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

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

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

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

from appearances alone

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

formal attendance (in court or at a hearing) of a party in an action

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

tending to find and call attention to faults

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

made or become different in nature or form

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

a young person of either sex

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

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

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

the condition of being susceptible to harm or injury

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

the act of making something futile and useless (as by routine)

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

relating to the process of education

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

the expression of approval and support

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

unrestrained, especially with regard to feelings

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

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

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

a person who keeps watch over something or someone

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

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

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

used in negative statement to describe a situation that has existed up to this point or up to the present time

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

plural of “home” — where you live at a particular time

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

feeling hunger; feeling a need or desire to eat food

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

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

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

the state of being inactive

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

act of bringing about a desired result

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

not injurious to physical or mental health

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

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

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

conformity or harmony

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

plural of “library” — a room where books are kept

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

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

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

by good fortune

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

-ing form of “lull” — calm by deception

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

plural of “magazine” — a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

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 In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

with respect to material aspects

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

to a great degree or extent

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

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

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

plural of “occupation” — the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

a narcotic drug that contains opium or an opium derivative

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

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

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

involving the body as distinguished from the mind or spirit

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

participate in games or sport

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

plural of “process” — a particular course of action intended to achieve a result

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

-ing form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

on the contrary

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

express in words

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

an educational institution

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

-ing form of “secure” — get by special effort

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

plural of “sensibility” — mental responsiveness and awareness

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

do one's shopping

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

held in check with difficulty

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

workplace for the teaching or practice of an art

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

plural of “temptation” — something that seduces or has the quality to seduce

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

past form of “tend” — have a tendency or disposition to do or be something; be inclined

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

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

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Luckily, our generation has learned some things about the educational processes that have tended to lessen materially the danger of over-reading.

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

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading This is all too little changed now, though more and more homes are providing opportunity and encouragement for other occupations: shop and studio, and more abundant material and opportunity for play.

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

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading In many homes, and to many children out of school, books and magazines have hitherto been a sort of opiate, from the point of view of the child deadening the hungry sensibilities and lulling the stifled activities; and from the point of view of the parent securing silence and providing an apparently innocuous occupation.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading This is particularly true of children in our large American cities, whom we must, in our first generation of city-dwelling, guard against eye-strain, and nerve-strain, and library-air, and physical inactivity of all sorts.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading LITERATURE OUT OF SCHOOL AND READING OTHER THAN LITERATURE Were it not for appearing captious or extravagant, one would like to say that in these days of cheap and easy books, and amidst the temptations of the free libraries, the problem is that of keeping the children from reading too much, rather than of inducing them to read enough.