Chapter XXVI · Chapter 26

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

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

a defendant in a criminal proceeding

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

elevation especially above sea level or above the earth's surface

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

disposed to please

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

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

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

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

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

any person at all

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

a short pithy instructive saying

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

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

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

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

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

earlier than; in front of

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

marked by strong resentment or cynicism

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

plural of “breast” — the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

a covering designed to be worn on a person's body

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

(usually followed by “to”) given credit for

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

plural of “doctrine” — a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

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

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

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

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

plural of “exception” — a deliberate act of omission

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

greatly exceeding bounds of reason or moderation

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

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

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

a form of sexual desire in which gratification depends to an abnormal degree on some object or item of clothing or part of the body

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

the state of being friends (or friendly)

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

the act of giving

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

with superficial plausibility

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

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

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

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

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

plural of “hold” — the act of grasping

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

plural of “impulse” — an instinctive motive

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

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

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

existing as an essential constituent or characteristic

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

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

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

determine the result of (a competition)

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

having or proceeding from an innately kind disposition

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

the quality of being warmhearted and considerate and humane and sympathetic

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

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

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

plural of “landlord” — a landowner who leases to others

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

all of the living human inhabitants of the earth

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

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 No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

the message that is intended or expressed or signified

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

(Greek legend) the greedy king of Phrygia who Dionysus gave the power to turn everything he touched into gold

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

not any; not one

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

a fractional monetary unit of Ireland and the United Kingdom; equal to one hundredth of a pound

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

never-ceasing

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

plural of “philanthropist” — someone who makes charitable donations intended to increase human well-being

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

third-person singular of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

deliver a sermon

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

third-person singular of “preclude” — keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

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

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

apartment consisting of a series of connected rooms used as a living unit (as in a hotel)

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

Identical; not different.

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

an ordered reference standard

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

taking advantage of opportunities without regard for the consequences for others

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

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

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

the act of spending or disbursing money

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

not in physical motion

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

plural of “table” — a set of data arranged in rows and columns

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

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

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

in or at that place or location

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

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

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

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

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

the present time or age

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

two times

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

in an unjust manner

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.

having an abundant supply of money or possessions of value

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

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

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.