used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
acceptableadjectiveUS /ækˈseptəbəl/
worthy of acceptance or satisfactory
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
in actual fact
From this reading We have chosen men who are not actually connected with one another in any way.
(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 Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
in addition
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading We have chosen men who are not actually connected with one another in any way.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
any thing at all
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
bettermentnounUS /ˈbetərmənt/
a change for the better; progress in development
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
biographynounUS /baɪˈɑːɡrəfi/
an account of the series of events making up a person's life
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading We have chosen men who are not actually connected with one another in any way.
being joined in close association
From this reading We have chosen men who are not actually connected with one another in any way.
continuingadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/
remaining in force or being carried on without letup
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
every day; without missing a day
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
explorersnounUS /ɪkˈsplɔːrərz/
plural of “explorer” — someone who travels into little known regions (especially for some scientific purpose)
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
historicaladjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪkəl/
of or relating to the study of history
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
leisurenounUS /ˈleʒər/
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
MatthewnounUS /ˈmæθjuː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; traditionally considered to be the author of the first Gospel
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
the force of workers available
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading We have chosen men who are not actually connected with one another in any way.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
pensnounUS /penz/
plural of “pen” — a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
on the contrary
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
plural of “sailor” — any member of a ship's crew
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
and nothing more
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
plural of “soldier” — an enlisted man or woman who serves in an army
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
a cutting or thrusting weapon that has a long metal blade and a hilt with a hand guard
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
carry out
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
express in words
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
three-volume
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Many people have not the leisure to read a three-volume biography, and so they miss knowing anything at all about some of the great figures in history.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
precisely as stated
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading We have chosen men who are not actually connected with one another in any way.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There are many books about men of action—soldiers, sailors, and explorers—but it is not so easy to find any simple account of men who have used their minds and their pens, rather than the sword, in the work for the betterment of their country to which they have devoted their lives.
which person or people
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We have tried here to tell quite simply the story of the lives of a dozen great men, some of whom may not be very familiar.
in the company of; together with
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading _Matthew_ This book is intended for young people who are beginning to take an interest in historical subjects, and it may also be acceptable to those who are too busy with their daily work to find much time or opportunity for continuing, as they would like a full course of study.
