used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
Areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
feeling shame or guilt or embarrassment or remorse
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
causticadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstɪk/
harsh or corrosive in tone
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
cherishedadjectiveUS /ˈtʃerɪʃt/
characterized by feeling or showing fond affection for
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
ChristophernounUS /ˈkrɪstəfər/
Christian martyr and patron saint of travellers (3rd century)
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
concessionnounUS /kənˈseʃən/
a contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
confrontingverbUS /kənˈfrʌntɪŋ/
-ing form of “confront” — oppose, as in hostility or a competition
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
contritionnounUS /kənˈtrɪʃən/
sorrow for sin arising from fear of damnation
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
crypticadjectiveUS /ˈkrɪptɪk/
of an obscure nature
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
cultivatedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌltəveɪtɪd/
(of land or fields) prepared for raising crops by plowing or fertilizing
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
disavowalnoun
denial of any connection with or knowledge of
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
Ettrick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
eulogynounUS /ˈjuːlədʒi/
a formal expression of praise for someone who has died recently
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
something acquired without compensation
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
grievedverbUS /ɡriːvd/
past form of “grieve” — feel grief
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
illustratesverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪts/
third-person singular of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
indeterminateadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈtɜːrmɪnɪt/
not precisely determined or established; not fixed or known in advance
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
ironicadjectiveUS /aɪˈrɑːnɪk/
humorously sarcastic or mocking
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
and nothing more
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
leadsnounUS /liːdz/
plural of “lead” — an advantage held by a competitor in a race
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
social deportment
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
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 THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
pronouncedadjectiveUS /prəˈnaʊnst/
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
reformationnounUS /ˌref.əˈmeɪ.ʃən/
The action or process of reforming an institution, practice, or individual's character.
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
satirenounUS /ˈsætaɪər/
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
SATIRICadjectiveUS /səˈtɪrɪk/
exposing human folly to ridicule
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
satiricaladjectiveUS /səˈtɪrəkəl/
exposing human folly to ridicule
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
shamelesslyadverbUS /ˈʃeɪmləsli/
without shame
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
ShepherdnounUS /ˈʃepərd/
a clergyman who watches over a group of people
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
shopocracy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
term of address for a man
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
studentnounUS /ˈstuːdənt/
a learner who is enrolled in an educational institution
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
suspiciousadjectiveUS /səˈspɪʃəs/
openly distrustful and unwilling to confide
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
precisely as stated
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
warilyadverbUS /ˈwerəli/
in a wary manner
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “I should be ashamed of myself if I were, James,” was the grieved reply.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
whimnounUS /wɪm/
a sudden desire
From this reading In any case, whether the disavowal came from ironic whim or from a concession to the popular attitude toward satire, it illustrates the first difficulty confronting the student of this indeterminate subject.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading On the contrary, we fear that he cherished and cultivated quite shamelessly his gift of caustic wit.
in the company of; together with
From this reading We know very well, however, that Christopher North was not ashamed of himself, at least not with the true contrition that leads to reformation.
an old word for “you”, speaking to more than one person
From this reading THE SATIRIC SPIRIT “Are ye satirical, sir?” inquired the Ettrick Shepherd, warily suspicious of the cryptic eulogy just pronounced by his companion on the minds and manners of the English shopocracy.
