adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(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 But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
appearverbUS /əˈpɪr/
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
beautifuladjectiveUS /ˈbjuːtəfəl/
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
becomingadjectiveUS /bɪˈkʌmɪŋ/
according with custom or propriety
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
bestowverbUS /bɪˈstoʊ/
present
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
callverbUS /kɔːl/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
catnounUS /kæt/
feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
catsnounUS /kæts/
plural of “cat” — feline mammal usually having thick soft fur and no ability to roar: domestic cats; wildcats
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
crazyadjectiveUS /ˈkreɪzi/
affected with madness or insanity
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
dareverbUS /der/
take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
dementedadjectiveUS /dɪˈmentɪd/
affected with madness or insanity
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
deprivedadjectiveUS /dɪˈpraɪvd/
marked by deprivation especially of the necessities of life or healthful environmental influences
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
downadjectiveUS /daʊn/
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
excuseverbUS /ɪksˈkjuːs/
accept an excuse for
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
FathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
Father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
fearverbUS /fɪr/
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
findverbUS /faɪnd/
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
foolnounUS /fuːl/
a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
forcedadjectiveUS /fɔːrst/
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
formnounUS /fɔːrm/
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
foundernounUS /ˈfaʊndər/
inflammation of the laminated tissue that attaches the hoof to the foot of a horse
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
Francis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
FranciscansnounUS /frænˈsɪskənz/
plural of “franciscan” — a Roman Catholic friar wearing the grey habit of the Franciscan order
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
friendsnounUS /frendz/
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
givingnounUS /ˈɡɪvɪŋ/
the act of giving
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/
the act of departing
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
half-crazy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
happinessnounUS /ˈhæpinəs/
state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
hobbynounUS /ˈhɑːbi/
an auxiliary activity
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
idiosyncrasynounUS /ˌɪdioʊˈsɪnkrəsiː/
a behavioral attribute that is distinctive and peculiar to an individual
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
justadverbUS /dʒʌst/
and nothing more
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
keptadjectiveUS /kept/
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
landnounUS /lænd/
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
liveverbUS /laɪv/
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
lovenounUS /lʌv/
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
makesnounUS /meɪks/
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
mereadjectiveUS /mɪr/
being nothing more than specified
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
namesnounUS /neɪmz/
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
nativeadjectiveUS /ˈneɪtɪv/
characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
neighborsnounUS /ˈneɪbərz/
plural of “neighbor” — a person who lives (or is located) near another
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
NodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
pooradjectiveUS /puːr/
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
preciousadjectiveUS /ˈpreʃəs/
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
respectedadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektɪd/
receiving deferential regard
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
SaintnounUS /seɪnt/
a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
saintsnounUS /seɪnts/
plural of “saint” — a person who has died and has been declared a saint by canonization
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
setverbUS /set/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
sneerverbUS /snɪr/
express through a scornful smile
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
soothnoun
truth or reality
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
substituteverbUS /ˈsʌbstətuːt/
put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
takesnounUS /teɪks/
plural of “take” — the income or profit arising from such transactions as the sale of land or other property
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
twistverbUS /twɪst/
to move in a twisting or contorted motion, (especially when struggling)
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
Urianoun
murres
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
veneratedverbUS /ˈvenəreɪtɪd/
past form of “venerate” — regard with feelings of respect and reverence; consider hallowed or exalted or be in awe of
From this reading But there is one point on which we cannot find excuse for the Father, that is, in giving his cats the names of some of the most respected and venerated saints among the Franciscans; going so far, indeed, as to bestow upon his finest cat the name of Saint Francis himself, the founder of the order.
veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/
precisely as stated
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
WepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But are not we all crazy on some subject; has not each one of us some hobby or idiosyncrasy which makes us appear more or less demented to our neighbors?
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
whynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading And just because the twist in our poor Father’s mind takes the particular form of a love for cats: why should we, how dare we, say he is crazy?
wildernessnounUS /ˈwɪldərnəs/
(politics) a state of disfavor
From this reading No, he was no more crazy than are we; and perhaps his beautiful cats kept him from becoming so, in very sooth, forced to live in the wilderness, if we may call it that, deprived of all the happiness of his native land, and of the friends for whom these cats make a poor substitute at the best.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading We fear much that our reader will be ready to set Father Uria down as a mere fool, or a half-crazy old man, and to sneer at him and his precious cats.
