Chapter IV

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

(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 There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

in addition

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

aroused to action

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

(Genesis 11:1-11) a tower built by Noah's descendants (probably in Babylon) who intended it to reach up to heaven; God foiled them by confusing their language so they could no longer understand one another

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

of or pertaining to or contained in or in accordance with the Bible

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

inflected form of “bear” — have

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

past form of “conquer” — bring under control by force or authority

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

-ing form of “designate” — assign a name or title to

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

plural of “despair” — a state in which all hope is lost or absent

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

dominance through threat of punishment and violence

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

-ing form of “differ” — be different

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

third-person singular of “differ” — be different

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

take in liquids

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

move gently or carefully

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

divisible by two

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

third-person singular of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

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

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

having or revealing little emotion or sensibility; not easily aroused or excited

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

freedom from control or influence of another or others

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

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

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

plural of “limit” — the greatest possible degree of something

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

engage in

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

plural of “nationality” — people having common origins or traditions and often comprising a nation

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

and nothing more

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

a living thing that has (or can develop) the ability to act or function independently

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

something having the property of being analogous to something else

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

good-natured tolerance of delay or incompetence

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

any competition

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

plural of “race” — any competition

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

The action or process of reforming an institution, practice, or individual's character.

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia; established in 1922; included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 December 1991

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

plural of “russian” — a native or inhabitant of Russia

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

not often

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

relating to human society and its members

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

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

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

plural of “stretch” — a large and unbroken expanse or distance

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

express in words

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

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

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

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

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

a structure taller than its diameter; can stand alone or be attached to a larger building

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

plural of “tribe” — a social division of (usually preliterate) people

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading There is, first of all, a temper which is among all of them impassive, seldom aroused even under the influence of drink.

inflected form of “undertake” — enter upon an activity or enterprise

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

third-person singular of “vary” — become different in some particular way, without permanently losing one's or its former characteristics or essence

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

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

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

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

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

which person or people

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

belonging to which person

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

to a great degree

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

in the company of; together with

From this reading This explains the ease with which they have been conquered by other races, seldom coming to independence, only the nature of their country having compelled the Russians to make a Russia, which they were a long time in making.

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading One despairs of designating as a race, or even as a nation, a people which differs more widely than one can tell within the limits of a chapter; people who have neither a history nor a literature in common, and whose language, although philologically one, varies so that if they undertook to build a tower or an empire, the confusion of the Biblical Babel would find a parallel in modern history.

a late time of life

From this reading This also explains the despotism of the Czar, the patience with which it has been borne, and the long stretches of years without revolution or reformation.

but in spite of that

From this reading And yet these differing tribes or nationalities have some things in common, especially in the social life and organism.