adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
agenounUS /eɪdʒ/
how long something has existed
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
amusementnounUS /əˈmjuːzmənt/
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
ancestorsnounUS /ˈænsestərz/
plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
appearancenounUS /əˈpɪrəns/
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
arduousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdʒuːəs/
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
commonadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmən/
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
communicatedverbUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪtɪd/
past form of “communicate” — transmit information
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
completionnounUS /kəmˈpliːʃən/
(American football) a successful forward pass in football
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
correctverbUS /kərˈekt/
make right or correct
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
criticismnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
dependverbUS /dɪˈpend/
be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
designnounUS /dɪˈzaɪn/
the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
desirenounUS /dɪˈzaɪər/
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
discreetadjectiveUS /dɪˈskriːt/
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
employverbUS /emˈplɔɪ/
put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
eyenounUS /aɪ/
the organ of sight
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
familiaradjectiveUS /fəˈmɪljər/
well known or easily recognized
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
fifty-second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
generallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/
usually; as a rule
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
habitsnounUS /ˈhæbəts/
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/
the aggregate of past events
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
imagenounUS /ˈɪmədʒ/
an iconic mental representation
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
indulgentadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒənt/
characterized by or given to yielding to the wishes of someone
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
influencenounUS /ˈɪnfluːəns/
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
knowingadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊɪŋ/
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
labournounUS /ˈleɪbər/
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
livelyadjectiveUS /ˈlaɪvli/
full of life and energy
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
mindsnounUS /maɪndz/
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
momentsnounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
motivenounUS /ˈmoʊtɪv/
the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
nakedadjectiveUS /ˈneɪkəd/
completely unclothed
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
narrativenounUS /ˈnærətɪv/
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 Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
personaladjectiveUS /ˈpɜːrsɪnəl/
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
prevailsverbUS /prɪˈveɪlz/
third-person singular of “prevail” — be larger in number, quantity, power, status or importance
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
principlenounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/
a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
privateadjectiveUS /ˈpraɪvət/
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
produceverbUS /prəˈduːs/
bring forth or yield
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
proposeverbUS /prəˈpoʊz/
make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
reachverbUS /riːtʃ/
reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
recommendationnounUS /ˌrekəmənˈdeɪʃən/
something (as a course of action) that is recommended as advisable
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
recordingnounUS /rəˈkɔːrdɪŋ/
a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
removedadjectiveUS /riˈmuːvd/
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
reviewingverbUS /riˈvjuːɪŋ/
-ing form of “review” — look at again; examine again
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
rewardnounUS /rɪˈwɔːrd/
a recompense for worthy acts or retribution for wrongdoing
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
ridiculenounUS /ˈrɪdəkjuːl/
language or behavior intended to mock or humiliate
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
secretedverbUS /səˈkriːtɪd/
past form of “secrete” — generate and separate from cells or bodily fluids
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
seriousadjectiveUS /ˈsɪriəs/
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
shallmodal verbUS /ʃæl/
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
sheetsnounUS /ʃiːts/
plural of “sheet” — any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
solenounUS /soʊl/
the underside of footwear or a golf club
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
stylenounUS /staɪl/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
successfuladjectiveUS /səkˈsesfəl/
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A lively desire of knowing and of recording our ancestors so generally prevails, that it must depend on the influence of some common principle in the minds of men.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
transactionsnounUS /trænˈzækʃənz/
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
TruthnounUS /truːθ/
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
unblushingadjective
feeling no shame
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
virtuenounUS /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading Truth, naked unblushing truth, the first virtue of more serious history, must be the sole recommendation of this personal narrative.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading My own amusement is my motive, and will be my reward: and if these sheets are communicated to some discreet and indulgent friends, they will be secreted from the public eye till the author shall be removed beyond the reach of criticism or ridicule.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
writingnounUS /ˈraɪtɪŋ/
the act of creating written works
From this reading The style shall be simple and familiar; but style is the image of character; and the habits of correct writing may produce, without labour or design, the appearance of art and study.
yearnounUS /jɪr/
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading In the fifty-second year of my age, after the completion of an arduous and successful work, I now propose to employ some moments of my leisure in reviewing the simple transactions of a private and literary life.
