Chapter I

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

how long something has existed

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

(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 ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

to gain with effort

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

in or to or toward a former location

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

third-person singular of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

plural of “energy” — (physics) a thermodynamic quantity equivalent to the capacity of a physical system to do work; the units of energy are joules or ergs

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

every person

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

past form of “exert” — put to use

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

plural of “fellow” — a boy or man

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

yet to be or coming

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

a man of refinement

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

plural of “gloat” — malicious satisfaction

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

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

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

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

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

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

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

found pleasant or attractive; often used as a combining form

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

the force of workers available

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

used to form the superlative

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

excessively fat

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

above and across; more than

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

the time that has elapsed

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

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

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

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

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

reflecting optimism

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

being of delicate or slender build

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

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

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

depleted of energy, force, or strength

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

plural of “success” — an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Everybody believes he liked that rosy past better than he did.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

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

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

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

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.

plural of “university” — the body of faculty and students at a university

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

a person given to fanciful speculations and enthusiasms with little regard for what is actually possible

From this reading The difference between these visionary scenes is this, that they _think_ a good deal of the latter, but _talk_ a good deal of the former.

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

From this reading ONE OF THE “OLD SORT” MOST men have a sunny spot to which they look back in their existence, as most have an impossible future, to attain which all their energies are exerted, and their resources employed.

in the company of; together with

From this reading With some fellows the golden age seems to have been passed at Eton, with others at the Universities.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Here a quiet, mild clergyman gloats over the roistering days he spent as a Cornet in the Hussars; there an obese old gentleman prates of the fascinations of London, and his own successes as a slim young dandy about town.