used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
one of the groups of Christians who have their own beliefs and forms of worship
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
rid of obstructions
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
clergymannounUS /ˈklɜːrdʒimən/
a member of the clergy and a spiritual leader of the Christian Church
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
clergyman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
deliververbUS /dɪˈlɪvər/
deliver (a speech, oration, or idea)
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
at any time
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
exhortationsnounUS /ˌeɡzɔːrˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “exhortation” — a communication intended to urge or persuade the recipients to take some action
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
a social unit living together
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
fascinatinglyadverb
in a fascinating manner
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
recently made, produced, or harvested
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
generationsnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “generation” — all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
the father of your father or mother
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
intrusiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtruːsɪv/
tending to intrude (especially upon privacy)
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
not divisible by two
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
plural of “one” — the smallest whole number or a numeral representing this number
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
preachedverbUS /priːtʃt/
past form of “preach” — deliver a sermon
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
preacher'snounUS /ˈpriːtʃərz/
possessive form of “preacher” — someone whose occupation is preaching the gospel
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
pulpitnounUS /ˈpʊlpɪt/
a platform raised above the surrounding level to give prominence to the person on it
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
with speed
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
on the contrary
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
reasonings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
responsibleadjectiveUS /riˈspɑːnsəbəl/
worthy of or requiring responsibility or trust; or held accountable
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
express in words
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
past form of “seize” — take hold of; grab
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
sermonsnounUS /ˈsɜːrmənz/
plural of “sermon” — an address of a religious nature (usually delivered during a church service)
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
textnounUS /tekst/
the words of something written
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
tissuenounUS /ˈtɪsjuː/
part of an organism consisting of an aggregate of cells having a similar structure and function
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading My clergyman grandfather always said that he never enjoyed any sermons so much as the ones he preached to himself sitting under another clergyman’s pulpit.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
vividadjectiveUS /ˈvɪvəd/
evoking lifelike images within the mind
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Grandfather used to say that such sermons preached to himself were in the nature of things much better than any he could ever deliver in church.
at the time that
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
which person or people
From this reading | | | +-------------------------------------------------+ I don’t know who is responsible for this rather odd book, but I lay it to the earlier generations of my family.
in the company of; together with
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
woveverbUS /woʊv/
inflected form of “weave” — interlace by or as if by weaving
From this reading When the text was given out, his mind seized on it with a vivid fresh interest and, running rapidly away from the intrusive sound of the other preacher’s voice, wove a tissue of clear, strong, and fascinatingly interesting reasonings and exhortations.
