used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
(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 All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
cheatverbUS /tʃiːt/
deprive somebody of something by deceit
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
decidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
duplicitynounUS /duːˈplɪsɪti/
a fraudulent or duplicitous representation
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
at any time
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
death of a person
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
the emotion of intense dislike; a feeling of dislike so strong that it demands action
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
IrelandnounUS /ˈaɪərlənd/
a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
IVnoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading PART IV.
knavenounUS /neɪv/
a deceitful and unreliable scoundrel
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
past form of “laugh” — produce laughter
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
joined in matrimony
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
miraclenounUS /ˈmɪrəkəl/
any amazing or wonderful occurrence
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
not any; not one
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
not one, and not any
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
originalitynounUS /ərˌɪdʒəˈnælɪti/
the ability to think and act independently
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading PART IV.
Phil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
plentifuladjectiveUS /ˈplentəfəl/
existing in great number or quantity
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
popularitynounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈlerəti/
the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
Purcel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
unusual or striking
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
revealverbUS /rɪˈviːl/
make visible
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
runsnounUS /rʌnz/
plural of “run” — a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
only a very short time before
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
and nothing more
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
unusual or striking
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
singularitynounUS /ˈsɪŋɡjəˈlerəti/
the quality of being one of a kind
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Phil Purcel was a singular character, for he was never married; but notwithstanding his singularity, no man ever possessed, for practical purposes, a more plentiful stock of duplicity.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The cause of his success lay simply in this; that he never laughed; and, none of our readers need be told, that the appearance of a grave cheat in Ireland is an originality which almost runs up into a miracle.
which person or people
From this reading Now as we hate mystery ourselves, we shall reveal the secret of this remarkable popularity; though, after all, it can scarcely be called so, for Phil was not the first cheat who has been popular in his day.
but in spite of that
From this reading All his acquaintances knew that Phil was a knave of the first water, yet was he decidedly a general favorite.
