AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/
(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
agreeableadjectiveUS /əˈɡriːəbəl/
conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
alteredadjectiveUS /ˈɔːltərd/
changed in form or character without becoming something else
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
anticipateverbUS /ænˈtɪsəpeɪt/
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
aristocraticadjectiveUS /ərˌɪstəˈkrætɪk/
belonging to or characteristic of the nobility or aristocracy
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/
the thing arranged or agreed to
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
belyingverbUS /bɪˈlaɪɪŋ/
inflected form of “belie” — be in contradiction with
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
blandishmentsnounUS /ˈblændɪʃmənts/
plural of “blandishment” — flattery intended to persuade
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
Boffin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
Boffin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
bornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/
brought into existence
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
BowernounUS /ˈbaʊər/
a framework that supports climbing plants
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
briefadjectiveUS /briːf/
of short duration or distance
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
complimentaryadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːmpləˈmentəri/
conveying or resembling a compliment
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
consideredadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərd/
carefully weighed
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
corruptedadjectiveUS /kərˈʌptɪd/
containing errors or alterations
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
creaturesnounUS /ˈkriːtʃərz/
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
darknounUS /dɑːrk/
absence of light or illumination
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
declinedverbUS /dɪˈklaɪnd/
past form of “decline” — grow worse
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
distrustnounUS /dɪˈstrʌst/
doubt about someone's honesty
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
downwardadjectiveUS /ˈdaʊnwərd/
extending or moving from a higher to a lower place
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
eminentlyadverbUS /ˈemənəntli/
in an eminent manner
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
EmpirenounUS /ˈempaɪər/
the domain ruled by an emperor or empress; the region over which imperial dominion is exercised
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
employedadjectiveUS /emˈplɔɪd/
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
employernounUS /emˈplɔɪər/
a person or firm that employs workers
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
enervated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
EvenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/
divisible by two
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
fashionnounUS /ˈfæʃən/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
forthadverbUS /fɔːrθ/
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
FRIENDLYadjectiveUS /ˈfrendli/
characteristic of or befitting a friend
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
governorsnounUS /ˈɡʌvərnərz/
plural of “governor” — the head of a state government
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
habitsnounUS /ˈhæbəts/
plural of “habit” — an established custom
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
handsomely-remunerated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
holdingnounUS /ˈhoʊldɪŋ/
the act of retaining something
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
honourableadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnərəbəl/
worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
humbugnounUS /ˈhʌmbʌɡ/
pretentious or silly talk or writing
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
imbecilenounUS /ˈɪmbəsəl/
a person of subnormal intelligence
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
incompetentnounUS /ˌɪnˈkɑːmpətənt/
someone who is not competent to take effective action
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
insolencenounUS /ˈɪnsələns/
the trait of being rude and impertinent; inclined to take liberties
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
lastadjectiveUS /læst/
immediately past
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
legsnounUS /leɡz/
staying power
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
mansionnounUS /ˈmænʃən/
(astrology) one of 12 equal areas into which the zodiac is divided
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
mastersnounUS /ˈmæstərz/
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
morningnounUS /ˈmɔːrnɪŋ/
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
MOVEverbUS /muːv/
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
nextadjectiveUS /nekst/
immediately following in time or order
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
occasionsnounUS /əˈkeɪʒənz/
something you have to do
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
officenounUS /ˈɔːfɪs/
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
opposedadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzd/
being in opposition or having an opponent
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
ORIGINATEDverbUS /ərˈɪdʒəneɪtəd/
past form of “originate” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
paidadjectiveUS /peɪd/
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
placesnounUS /ˈpleɪsəz/
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
positionnounUS /pəˈzɪʃən/
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
qualifiedadjectiveUS /ˈkwɑːləfaɪd/
meeting the proper standards and requirements and training for an office or position or task
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
refugenounUS /ˈrefjuːdʒ/
a safe place
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
resentedverbUS /riˈzentɪd/
past form of “resent” — feel bitter or indignant about
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
rightadverbUS /raɪt/
precisely, exactly
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
RomanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
rulenounUS /ruːl/
a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
sallying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
seekingnounUS /ˈsiːkɪŋ/
the act of searching for something
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
servantnounUS /ˈsɜːrvənt/
a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
settleverbUS /ˈsetəl/
settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
shownverbUS /ʃoʊn/
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
Silas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
ThereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
uniformlyadverbUS /ˈjuːnəfɔːrmli/
in a uniform manner
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
usuallyadverbUS /ˈjuːʒəwəli/
under normal conditions
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
vapidadjectiveUS /ˈvæpɪd/
lacking taste or flavor or tang
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
visitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/
plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
Wegg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
whomsoever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
worseadjectiveUS /wɜːrs/
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
yorenounUS /jɔːr/
time long past
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
