used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
in actual fact
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had even soiled his noble lips with an untruth.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/
at or to a lower level than something
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
boornounUS /bʊr/
a crude uncouth ill-bred person lacking culture or refinement
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
breachverbUS /briːtʃ/
act in disregard of laws, rules, contracts, or promises
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
Charney
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
determine the number or amount of
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
the act of departing
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
disinterestednessnoun
freedom from bias or from selfish motives
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
divisible by two
From this reading He had even soiled his noble lips with an untruth.
exultverbUS /ɪɡˈzʌlt/
feel extreme happiness or elation
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
having dropped by the force of gravity
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
imposingadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊzɪŋ/
impressive in appearance
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
past form of “invite” — increase the likelihood of
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
jailernounUS /ˈdʒeɪlər/
someone who guards prisoners
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
kind-heartedadjective
having or proceeding from an innately kind disposition
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
plural of “lip” — either of two fleshy folds of tissue that surround the mouth and play a role in speaking
From this reading He had even soiled his noble lips with an untruth.
Ludovico
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
Ludovico's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
meditationsnounUS /ˌmedɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “meditation” — continuous and profound contemplation or musing on a subject or series of subjects of a deep or abstruse nature
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
moroseadjectiveUS /mərˈoʊs/
showing a brooding ill humor
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
an old word for “no”
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading He had even soiled his noble lips with an untruth.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
obligationnounUS /ˌɑːbləˈɡeɪʃən/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
obstinateadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbstənət/
tenaciously unwilling or marked by tenacious unwillingness to yield
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
and nothing more
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
persistedverbUS /pərˈsɪstɪd/
past form of “persist” — continue to exist
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
picciola
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
povera
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
recentlyadverbUS /ˈriːsəntli/
in the recent past
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
renderverbUS /ˈrendər/
cause to become
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
past form of “render” — cause to become
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
performance of duties or provision of space and equipment helpful to others
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
soiledadjectiveUS /sɔɪld/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading He had even soiled his noble lips with an untruth.
characterized by or preferring solitude
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement
From this reading He was startled to discover the services recently rendered by Ludovico to the “_povera picciola_.”
subterfuges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
untruthnounUS /ənˈtruːθ/
a false statement
From this reading He had even soiled his noble lips with an untruth.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
a flaw or weak point
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
at the time that
From this reading The boor, the jailer, morose only when invited to a breach of duty, had actually watched him in secret, not to exult over his weakness, but to render him a service; nay, by his obstinate disinterestedness, the man persisted in imposing an obligation on the Count de Charney.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In the course of his solitary meditations, after Ludovico’s departure, Charney was compelled to admit that, in his relations with the jailer, the man of genius and education had fallen below the level of the man of the people.
of very poor quality or condition
From this reading To what wretched subterfuges had he descended, in order to practice upon the feelings of this kind-hearted and simple being!
