used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
AcceptingadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪŋ/
tolerating without protest
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
apologizeverbUS /əˈpɑːlədʒaɪz/
acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
Author'snounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
possessive form of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
brevitynounUS /ˈbrevəti/
the use of brief expressions
From this reading This often insures brevity.”
businessesnounUS /ˈbɪznəsəz/
plural of “business” — a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
disguisesnounUS /dɪsˈɡaɪzɪz/
plural of “disguise” — an outward semblance that misrepresents the true nature of something
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
errandnounUS /ˈerənd/
a short trip that is taken in the performance of a necessary task or mission
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
excusesnounUS /ɪksˈkjuːsɪz/
plural of “excuse” — a defense of some offensive behavior or some failure to keep a promise etc.
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
the state or fact of existing
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
furnishverbUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃ/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
gospelnounUS /ˈɡɑːspəl/
the four books in the New Testament (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that tell the story of Christ's life and teachings
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
insuresverbUS /ˌɪnˈʃʊrz/
third-person singular of “insure” — be careful or certain to do something; make certain of something
From this reading This often insures brevity.”
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
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 Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
attach a tag or label to
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
necessarilyadverbUS /ˌnesəˈserəli/
in an essential manner
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
many times at short intervals
From this reading This often insures brevity.”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
and nothing more
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
plausibleadjectiveUS /ˈplɔːzəbəl/
apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
prefacenounUS /ˈprefəs/
a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
Prefaces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
pretendverbUS /priˈtend/
make believe with the intent to deceive
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
publicationnounUS /ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃən/
a copy of a printed work offered for distribution
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
To recall to mind.
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Accepting the above as gospel (as necessarily we must, in this book,) one is only required here to furnish a few more or less plausible excuses for its existence.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This often insures brevity.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
TwainnounUS /tweɪn/
two items of the same kind
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
always the same; showing a single form or character in all occurrences
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
be dressed in
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “So far as I remember, I have never seen an Author’s Preface which had any purpose but one—to furnish reasons for the publication of the book.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Prefaces wear many disguises, call themselves by various names, and pretend to come on various businesses, but I think that upon examination we are quite sure to find that their errand is always the same: they are there to apologize for the book; in other words, furnish reasons for its publication.
buildings for carrying on industrial labor
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading Beginning his preface to the “Uniform Edition” of his works, Mark Twain wrote:
