AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
AmidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/
in addition to; as well as
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
Buckingham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
buffoonnounUS /bəˈfuːn/
a rude or vulgar fool
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
chapternounUS /ˈtʃæptər/
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
CharlesnounUS /tʃɑːrlz/
King of France from 1560 to 1574 whose reign was dominated by his mother Catherine de Medicis (1550-1574)
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
chemistnounUS /ˈkemɪst/
a scientist who specializes in chemistry
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
constitutionnounUS /ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃən/
law determining the fundamental political principles of a government
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
coursenounUS /kɔːrs/
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
CourtnounUS /kɔːrt/
an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
deeperadverbUS /ˈdiːpər/
comparative of “deeply” — to a great depth psychologically or emotionally
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
designsnounUS /dɪˈzaɪnz/
plural of “design” — the act of working out the form of something (as by making a sketch or outline or plan)
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
diedverbUS /daɪd/
past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
doomedadjectiveUS /duːmd/
marked for certain death
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
drinkingnounUS /ˈdrɪŋkɪŋ/
the act of consuming liquids
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
DRYDENnounUS /ˈdraɪdən/
the outstanding poet and dramatist of the Restoration (1631-1700)
From this reading --DRYDEN.
DukenounUS /duːk/
a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
Duke'snounUS /duːks/
possessive form of “duke” — a British peer of the highest rank
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
enterprisesnounUS /ˈentərpraɪzɪz/
plural of “enterprise” — a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
epitomenounUS /ɪˈpɪtəmi/
a standard or typical example
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
essentialadjectiveUS /eˈsenʃəl/
absolutely necessary; vitally necessary
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
excellentadjectiveUS /ˈeksələnt/
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
expendingnounUS /ˌekˈspendɪŋ/
the act of spending money for goods or services
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/
large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
failedverbUS /feɪld/
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
fiddlernounUS /ˈfɪdələr/
a musician who plays the violin
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
fiddlingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪdlɪŋ/
(informal) small and of little importance
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
fixedadjectiveUS /fɪkst/
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
fortunenounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃən/
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
freaksnounUS /friːks/
plural of “freak” — a person or animal that is markedly unusual or deformed
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
frivolousadjectiveUS /ˈfrɪvələs/
not serious in content or attitude or behavior
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
gayadjectiveUS /ɡeɪ/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
GeorgenounUS /dʒɔːrdʒ/
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
hotelnounUS /hoʊˈtel/
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
hournounUS /ˈaʊər/
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
immortalitynounUS /ˌɪmɔːrˈtælɪti/
the quality or state of being immortal
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
importantadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/
of great significance or value
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
inhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhæbətəd/
having inhabitants; lived in
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
irregularadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈreɡjələr/
contrary to rule or accepted order or general practice
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
laughingadjectiveUS /ˈlæfɪŋ/
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
leveenounUS /ˈlevi/
a formal reception of visitors or guests (as at a royal court)
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
licentiousadjectiveUS /laɪˈsentʃəs/
lacking moral discipline; especially sexually unrestrained
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
linesnounUS /laɪnz/
plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
magnificentadjectiveUS /mæɡˈnɪfəsənt/
characterized by grandeur
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
mankind'snounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪndz/
possessive form of “mankind” — all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
moonnounUS /muːn/
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
neverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
noonnounUS /nuːn/
the middle of the day
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
NotadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
nourishedadjectiveUS /ˈnɜːrɪʃt/
being provided with adequate nourishment
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
nowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
opinionsnounUS /əˈpɪnjənz/
plural of “opinion” — a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
painfuladjectiveUS /ˈpeɪnfəl/
causing physical or psychological pain
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
paintingnounUS /ˈpeɪntɪŋ/
graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
particularlyadverbUS /ˌpɑːrˈtɪkjələrli/
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
pastnounUS /pæst/
the time that has elapsed
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
perseverancenounUS /ˌpɝː.səˈvɪr.əns/
Persistence in doing something despite difficulty or delay in success. (Sự kiên trì, bền bỉ không bỏ cuộc.)
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
pleasuresnounUS /ˈpleʒərz/
plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
politicsnounUS /ˈpɑːlətɪks/
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
prefixed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
princelyadjectiveUS /ˈprɪnsli/
ostentatiously rich and superior in quality
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
purposenounUS /ˈpɜːrpəs/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
pursuitnounUS /pərˈsuːt/
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
regulatedadjectiveUS /ˈreɡjəleɪtɪd/
controlled or governed according to rule or principle or law
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
revolvingverbUS /riˈvɑːlvɪŋ/
-ing form of “revolve” — turn on or around an axis or a center
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
seem'd
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
startsnounUS /stɑːrts/
plural of “start” — the beginning of anything
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
statesmannounUS /ˈsteɪtsmən/
a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
StiffadjectiveUS /stɪf/
not moving or operating freely
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
StreetnounUS /striːt/
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
talentsnounUS /ˈtælənts/
plural of “talent” — natural abilities or qualities
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
ThenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
thinkingnounUS /ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
timenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
transportnounUS /trænˈspɔːrt/
something that serves as a means of transportation
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
Villiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
wantverbUS /wɑːnt/
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
Wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
WepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading It was long past noon; and the usual hour of the Duke’s levee--if anything could be termed usual where all was irregular--had been long past.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
WhopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We must now transport the reader to the magnificent hotel in ----Street, inhabited at this time by the celebrated George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, whom Dryden has doomed to a painful immortality by the few lines which we have prefixed to this chapter.
womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
wrongadjectiveUS /rɔːŋ/
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading A man so various, that he seem’d to be Not one, but all mankind’s epitome; Stiff in opinions--always in the wrong-- Was everything by starts, but nothing long; Who, in the course of one revolving moon, Was chemist, fiddler, statesman, and buffoon; Then, all for women, painting, fiddling, drinking; Besides a thousand freaks that died in thinking.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Amid the gay and licentious of the laughing Court of Charles, the Duke was the most licentious and most gay; yet, while expending a princely fortune, a strong constitution, and excellent talents, in pursuit of frivolous pleasures, he nevertheless nourished deeper and more extensive designs; in which he only failed from want of that fixed purpose and regulated perseverance essential to all important enterprises, but particularly in politics.
