used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
be able to spare or give up
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
pleasantly occupied
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
answersnounUS /ˈænsərz/
plural of “answer” — a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
awkwardadjectiveUS /ˈɑːkwərd/
causing inconvenience
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
BrowningnounUS /ˈbraʊnɪŋ/
United States inventor of firearms (especially automatic pistols and repeating rifles and a machine gun called the Peacemaker) (1855-1926)
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
an onerous or difficult concern
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
commentsnounUS /ˈkɑːments/
plural of “comment” — a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
correspondentnounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndənt/
someone who communicates by means of letters
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
criticismnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪsɪzəm/
disapproval expressed by pointing out faults or shortcomings
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
the act of discovering something
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
EarlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
equalsnounUS /ˈiːkwəlz/
plural of “equal” — a person who is of equal standing with another in a group
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
divisible by two
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
intense or sharp
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
felicitynounUS /fɪˈlɪsəti/
pleasing and appropriate manner or style (especially manner or style of expression)
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
the act of giving
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
to an extraordinary extent or degree
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
happilyadverbUS /ˈhæpəli/
in a joyous manner
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her wit is the swifter and keener.
the one or ones belonging to her
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
illuminatingadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈluːməneɪtɪŋ/
tending to increase knowledge or dissipate ignorance
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula; was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
keeneradjectiveUS /ˈkiːnər/
comparative of “keen” — having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading Her wit is the swifter and keener.
laboriousadjectiveUS /ləˈbɔːriəs/
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
immediately past
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
the literary culture
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
maintainedadjectiveUS /meɪnˈteɪnd/
kept in good condition
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
pedantries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
penetratingadjectiveUS /ˈpenətreɪtɪŋ/
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
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 Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
swifteradjectiveUS /ˈswɪftər/
comparative of “swift” — moving very fast
From this reading Her wit is the swifter and keener.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Even on matters of literature his comments are less original than hers, less penetrating, less illuminating.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It cannot be maintained that Browning quite equals his correspondent in the discovery of rare and exquisite thoughts and feelings; or that his felicity in giving them expression is as frequent as hers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
at the time that
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
which person or people
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading Her wit is the swifter and keener.
writesverbUS /raɪts/
third-person singular of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading When Browning writes to afford her amusement, he sometimes appears to us, who are not greatly amused, a little awkward and laborious.
a late time of life
From this reading Early Years in Italy The letters from which this story has been drawn have from first to last one burden; in them deep answers to deep; they happily are of a nature to escape far from the pedantries of literary criticism.
