used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
abolishmentnoun
the act of abolishing a system or practice or institution (especially abolishing slavery)
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
acquiescencenounUS /ˌækwiˈesəns/
acceptance without protest
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
matters of personal concern
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
(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 In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
avoidingverbUS /əˈvɔɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “avoid” — stay clear from; keep away from; keep out of the way of someone or something
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
the two together, not just one
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
a period of 100 years
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
conspicuouslyadverbUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəsli/
in a manner tending to attract attention
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
crannynounUS /ˈkræni/
a long narrow depression in a surface
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
departmentsnounUS /dɪˈpɑːrtmənts/
plural of “department” — a specialized division of a large organization
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
emanatedverbUS /ˈeməneɪtɪd/
past form of “emanate” — proceed or issue forth, as from a source
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
extremesnounUS /ekˈstriːmz/
plural of “extreme” — the furthest or highest degree of something
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
generationnounUS /ˌdʒenərˈeɪʃən/
all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
any number of entities (members) considered as a unit
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
hammernounUS /ˈhæmər/
the part of a gunlock that strikes the percussion cap when the trigger is pulled
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
iconoclasmnounUS /ˌaɪˈkɑːnəklæzəm/
the orientation of an iconoclast
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
indictmentnounUS /ˌɪnˈdaɪtmənt/
a formal document written for a prosecuting attorney charging a person with some offense
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
INSTITUTIONSnounUS /ˌɪnstɪˈtuːʃənz/
plural of “institution” — an organization founded and united for a specific purpose
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
an artificial source of visible illumination
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
moderationnounUS /ˌmɑːdərˈeɪʃən/
quality of being moderate and avoiding extremes
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
a condition requiring relief
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
nineteenthadjectiveUS /ˈnaɪnˈtiːnθ/
coming next after the eighteenth in position
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
not any; not one
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
not one, and not any
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
notablyadverbUS /ˈnoʊtəbli/
especially; in particular
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
poisedadjectiveUS /pɔɪzd/
marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
public-spiritedadjectiveUS /ˈpʌblɪkˈspɪrɪtɪd/
showing unselfish interest in the public welfare
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
reformnounUS /rəˈfɔːrm/
a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
satirenounUS /ˈsætaɪər/
witty language used to convey insults or scorn
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
satirized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
searchlightnounUS /ˈsɜːrtʃlaɪt/
a light source with reflectors that projects a beam of light in a particular direction
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
SinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
sweepingadjectiveUS /ˈswiːpɪŋ/
taking in or moving over (or as if over) a wide area; often used in combination
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
carry out
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
ubiquitynounUS /juːˈbɪkwɪti/
the state of being everywhere at once (or seeming to be everywhere at once)
From this reading The two most striking features of nineteenth century public satire are its ubiquity and its moderation.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
unpenetrated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
VictoriansnounUS /vɪkˈtɔːriənz/
plural of “victorian” — a person who lived during the reign of Victoria
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
waveringly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It emanated from a generation poised waveringly between acquiescence and iconoclasm, but avoiding both extremes.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
(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 INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Victorians were notably a public-spirited group, and left no cranny unpenetrated by their critical searchlight; for it was the lamp they used, and not the hammer.
which person or people
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
in the company of; together with
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading INSTITUTIONS Since institutions are satirized by those who take an interest in public affairs, without being too well satisfied with the way they are managed, we may expect to find them conspicuously under indictment at this time.
zealousadjectiveUS /ˈzeləs/
marked by active interest and enthusiasm
From this reading In all departments it was zealous for reform; in none did it see the need of sweeping abolishment.
