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Samuel Johnson
Samuel Johnson

Chapter III

Cover illustration for Samuel Johnson
Context Illustration Reading 1/113 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
JOHNSON AND HIS FRIENDS.
It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.
The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.
His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.
The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Samuel Johnson

Chapter III

Reading 1/113 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
JOHNSON AND HIS FRIENDS.
Line 2
It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.
Line 3
The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.
Line 4
His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.
Line 5
The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.”

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.”

Beyond preposition US /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading “His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.”

Second noun US /second/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.”

All words in this reading · 91

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

amazed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading JOHNSON AND HIS FRIENDS.

any

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

become

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/

on the far side of; further than

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

change

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

character

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

characters

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

chiefly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

common

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

competent

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

cradle

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

eccentricities

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

English

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

enjoyment

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

eyes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

familiar

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

figure

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

fixed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

formed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

FRIENDS

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading JOHNSON AND HIS FRIENDS.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

greatest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

habits

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

HISdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading JOHNSON AND HIS FRIENDS.

history

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

indeed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

JOHNSON

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading JOHNSON AND HIS FRIENDS.

knowledge

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

learnt

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

literary

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

most

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

nature

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

now

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

observers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

only

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

pension

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

people's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

phrase

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

possibility

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

prime

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

prominent

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

schoolroom

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

second

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

see

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

society

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

strange

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

students

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

twenty

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading The strange eccentricities which had now become a second nature, amazed the society in which he was for over twenty years a prominent figure.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading It is not till some time after Johnson had come into the enjoyment of his pension, that we first see him through the eyes of competent observers.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

work

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Johnson of our knowledge, the most familiar figure to all students of English literary history had already long passed the prime of life, and done the greatest part of his literary work.

world

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.

years

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading His character, in the common phrase, had been "formed" years before; as, indeed, people's characters are chiefly formed in the cradle; and, not only his character, but the habits which are learnt in the great schoolroom of the world were fixed beyond any possibility of change.