adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
antiquitynounUS /ænˈtɪkwəti/
the historic period preceding the Middle Ages in Europe
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
appearverbUS /əˈpɪr/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
attentionnounUS /əˈtenʃən/
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
contemptibleadjectiveUS /kənˈtemptəbəl/
deserving of contempt or scorn
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
deliversverbUS /dɪˈlɪvərz/
third-person singular of “deliver” — deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
DiananounUS /daɪˈænə/
English aristocrat who was the first wife of Prince Charles; her death in an automobile accident in Paris produced intense national mourning (1961-1997)
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
excellentadjectiveUS /ˈeksələnt/
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
executedadjectiveUS /ˈeksəkjuːtɪd/
put to death as punishment
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
FablesnounUS /ˈfeɪbəlz/
plural of “fable” — a deliberately false or improbable account
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
FanverbUS /fæn/
strike out (a batter), (of a pitcher)
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
favouritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
a competitor thought likely to win
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
fictionsnounUS /ˈfɪkʃənz/
plural of “fiction” — a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
formedadjectiveUS /fɔːrmd/
having or given a form or shape
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
leftnounUS /left/
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
lieverbUS /laɪ/
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
likeverbUS /laɪk/
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
MinervanounUS /məˈnɜːrvə/
(Roman mythology) goddess of wisdom; counterpart of Greek Athena
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
mythologicaladjectiveUS /ˌmɪθəˈlɑːdʒɪkəl/
based on or told of in traditional stories; lacking factual basis or historical validity
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
naturallyadverbUS /ˈnætʃərəli/
as might be expected
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
newadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
notionnounUS /ˈnoʊʃən/
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
plannedadjectiveUS /plænd/
designed or carried out according to a plan
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
publishedadjectiveUS /ˈpʌblɪʃt/
prepared and printed for distribution and sale
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
retiresverbUS /rɪˈtaɪrz/
third-person singular of “retire” — go into retirement; stop performing one's work or withdraw from one's position
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
RuraladjectiveUS /ˈrʊrəl/
living in or characteristic of farming or country life
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
seemverbUS /siːm/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
settledadjectiveUS /ˈsetəld/
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
SportsnounUS /spɔːrts/
plural of “sport” — an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
talenounUS /teɪl/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Of this kind of Fables the author does not appear to have formed any distinct or settled notion.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
usenounUS /juːs/
the act of using
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
valuenounUS /ˈvæljuː/
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
VenusnounUS /ˈviːnəs/
the second nearest planet to the sun
From this reading The attention naturally retires from a new tale of Venus, Diana, and Minerva.
volumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His first performance, the _Rural Sports_, is such as was easily planned and executed; it is never contemptible, nor ever excellent.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _The Fan_ is one of those mythological fictions which antiquity delivers ready to the hand, but which, like other things that lie open to every one’s use, are of little value.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading His “Fables” seem to have been a favourite work; for, having published one volume, he left another behind him.
