used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
abstractverbUS /æbˈstrækt/
consider a concept without thinking of a specific example; consider abstractly or theoretically
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
actornounUS /ˈæktər/
a theatrical performer
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
(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 an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
alteredadjectiveUS /ˈɔːltərd/
changed in form or character without becoming something else
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
concreteadjectiveUS /kənˈkriːt/
capable of being perceived by the senses; not abstract or imaginary
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
conveyverbUS /kənˈveɪ/
(of information) make known; pass on
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
dominantadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːmənənt/
exercising influence or control
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
dramatist's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
ducats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
emphasisnounUS /ˈemfəsəs/
special importance or significance
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/
Strictly particular and correct.
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
howsoever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
illustratesverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪts/
third-person singular of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
an occurrence of something
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
Irving'snounUS /ˈɜːrvɪŋz/
possessive form of “irving” — United States writer remembered for his stories (1783-1859)
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
gain knowledge or skills
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
on one occasion
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
opposingadjectiveUS /əˈpoʊzɪŋ/
characterized by active hostility
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He can by emphasis of one kind or another help to convey the dominant idea.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
an expression of approval and commendation
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
reconciledadjectiveUS /ˈrekənsaɪld/
made compatible or consistent
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
representverbUS /ˌreprɪˈzent/
take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
Identical; not different.
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
ShylocknounUS /ˈʃaɪlɑːk/
someone who lends money at excessive rates of interest
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
speaksverbUS /spiːks/
third-person singular of “speak” — express in speech
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
thoughtfuladjectiveUS /ˈθɔːtfəl/
having intellectual depth
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
unitynounUS /ˈjuːnəti/
an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
of worldwide scope or applicability
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
utterancesnounUS /ˈʌtərənsɪz/
plural of “utterance” — the use of uttered sounds for auditory communication
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Of this we may be sure: if a character have in itself opposing qualities which cannot be reconciled, then it can never have that unity which makes for strength.
which person or people
From this reading Therefore the actor who has to represent the abstract idea as a concrete reality must at the beginning understand the dramatist’s intention.
the words that are spoken
From this reading Altered it in the manner of utterances of the first words he speaks: “Three thousand ducats,—well.”
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
a late time of life
From this reading There is an exact instance of this from Irving’s own work; one which at the same time illustrates how an actor, howsoever thoughtful and experienced he may be, can learn: For a good many years he had played Shylock to universal praise; then, all at once, he altered it.
