used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
how long something has existed
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
akinadjectiveUS /əˈkɪn/
similar in quality or character
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
ancestorsnounUS /ˈænsestərz/
plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
a hostile meeting of opposing military forces in the course of a war
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
BayardnounUS /ˈbeɪərd/
French soldier said to be fearless and chivalrous (1473-1524)
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
dearly loved
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
bravelyadverbUS /ˈbreɪvli/
in a courageous manner
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
chroniclesnounUS /ˈkrɑːnɪkəlz/
plural of “chronicle” — a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
the event of dying or departure from life
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
diariesnounUS /ˈdaɪəriz/
plural of “diary” — a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
differsverbUS /ˈdɪfərz/
third-person singular of “differ” — be different
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
increase twofold
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
dragonsnounUS /ˈdræɡənz/
plural of “dragon” — a creature of Teutonic mythology; usually represented as breathing fire and having a reptilian body and sometimes wings
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
elegiacadjective
resembling or characteristic of or appropriate to an elegy
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
explorationnounUS /ˌeksplərˈeɪʃən/
to travel for the purpose of discovery
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
frontedverbUS /ˈfrʌntɪd/
past form of “front” — be oriented in a certain direction, often with respect to another reference point; be opposite to
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
a state of high honor
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
plural of “god” — the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
hearthnounUS /hɑːrθ/
an open recess in a wall at the base of a chimney where a fire can be built
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
heroesnounUS /ˈhɪroʊz/
plural of “hero” — a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
historicaladjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪkəl/
of or relating to the study of history
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
journalsnounUS /ˈdʒɜːrnəlz/
plural of “journal” — a daily written record of (usually personal) experiences and observations
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
plural of “king” — a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
lamentingadjectiveUS /ləˈmentɪŋ/
vocally expressing grief or sorrow or resembling such expression
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
leadersnounUS /ˈliːdərz/
the body of people who lead a group
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
the literary culture
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
literatures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
the force of workers available
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
mythsnounUS /mɪθs/
plural of “myth” — a traditional story accepted as history; serves to explain the world view of a people
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
NATION-BUILDERS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
on one occasion
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
PIONEERSnounUS /ˌpaɪəˈnɪrz/
plural of “pioneer” — someone who helps to open up a new line of research or technology or art
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
poemsnounUS /ˈpoʊəmz/
plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
plural of “power” — possession of controlling influence
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
radicallyadverbUS /ˈrædɪkli/
in a radical manner
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
recordingnounUS /rəˈkɔːrdɪŋ/
a signal that encodes something (e.g., picture or sound) that has been recorded
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
recordsnounUS /rəˈkɔːrdz/
plural of “record” — anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
regionsnounUS /ˈriːdʒənz/
plural of “region” — the extended spatial location of something
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
RomanadjectiveUS /ˈroʊmən/
relating to or characteristic of people of Rome
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
TaylornounUS /ˈteɪlər/
United States composer and music critic (1885-1966)
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
a fact that has been verified
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
Twas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE PIONEERS AND NATION-BUILDERS 'Twas glory once to be a Roman: She makes it glory now to be a man.
unlikeadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪk/
marked by dissimilarity
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
past form of “venture” — proceed somewhere despite the risk of possible dangers
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
wagedverbUS /weɪdʒd/
past form of “wage” — carry on (wars, battles, or campaigns)
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Bayard Taylor, "America" We have this double interest in early American literature, that it is our own and unlike any other.
which person or people
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading The literatures of Europe began with wonder tales of a golden age, with stories of fairy ships, of kings akin to gods, of heroes who ventured into enchanted regions and there waged battle with dragons or the powers of darkness.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading American literature began with historical records, with letters of love and friendship, with diaries or journals of exploration, with elegiac poems lamenting the death of beloved leaders or hearth companions,--in a word, with the chronicles of human experience.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading In this respect, of recording the facts and the truth of life as men and women fronted life bravely in the New World, our early literature differs radically from that of any other great nation: it brings us face to face not with myths or shadows but with our ancestors.
