used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
(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 It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
biographersnounUS /baɪˈɑːɡrəfərz/
plural of “biographer” — someone who writes an account of a person's life
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
BoswellnounUS /ˈbɑːzwel/
Scottish author noted for his biography of Samuel Johnson (1740-1795)
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
coweringverbUS /ˈkaʊərɪŋ/
-ing form of “cower” — crouch or curl up
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
CriticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
DCCC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
Dissertations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
estimatenounUS /ˈestəmət/
an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
ExplanatoryadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsplænətɔːri/
serving or intended to explain or make clear
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
Johnson'snounUS /ˈdʒɑːnsənz/
possessive form of “johnson” — English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
LVadjective
being five more than fifty
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
magnitudenounUS /ˈmæɡnətuːd/
the property of relative size or extent (whether large or small)
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
MemoirsnounUS /ˈmemwɑːrz/
plural of “memoir” — an account of the author's personal experiences
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
MiltonnounUS /ˈmɪltən/
English poet; remembered primarily as the author of an epic poem describing humanity's fall from grace (1608-1674)
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
plural of “note” — a brief written record
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
ruggedadjectiveUS /ˈrʌɡəd/
sturdy and strong in constitution or construction; enduring
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading It is in the shadow of Boswell, the best of all biographers, and not in that of Johnson, that we feel ourselves at present cowering.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
SMOLLETTnoun
Scottish writer of adventure novels (1721-1771)
From this reading SMOLLETT.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
trepidationnounUS /ˌtrepɪˈdeɪʃən/
a feeling of alarm or dread
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
in the company of; together with
From this reading With Memoirs, Critical Dissertations, and Explanatory Notes M.DCCC.LV.
writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading We feel considerable trepidation in beginning a life of Johnson, not so much on account of the magnitude of the man--for in Milton, and one or two others, we have already met his match--but on account of the fact that the field has been so thoroughly exhausted by former writers.
but in spite of that
From this reading Yet we must try to give a rapid account of the leading incidents in Johnson's life, as well as a short estimate of his vast, rugged genius.
