used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
ACCORDEDverbUS /əˈkɔːrdɪd/
past form of “accord” — go together
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
acresnounUS /ˈeɪkərz/
extensive landed property (especially in the country) retained by the owner for his own use
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
AMENDverbUS /əˈmend/
make amendments to
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
react verbally
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
perplexed by many conflicting situations or statements; filled with bewilderment
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
cultivatingverbUS /ˈkʌltɪveɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “cultivate” — foster the growth of
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
DEVICESnounUS /dɪˈvaɪsəz/
an inclination or desire; used in the plural in the phrase “left to your own devices”
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
disagreeableadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/
not to your liking
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
distressesnounUS /dɪˈstresɪz/
plural of “distress” — psychological suffering
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
put up with something or somebody unpleasant
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
EXPERIENCESnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
fortyadjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrti/
being ten more than thirty
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
imagesnounUS /ˈɪmədʒəz/
plural of “image” — an iconic mental representation
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
industrynounUS /ˈɪndəstri/
the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
infatuatedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfætʃuːeɪtɪd/
marked by foolish or unreasoning fondness
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
INGENIOUSadjectiveUS /ɪnˈdʒiː.ni.əs/
Clever, original, and remarkably inventive in design and execution.
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
intolerablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈtɑːlərəbli/
to an unacceptable degree
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
irksomeadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrksəm/
so lacking in interest as to cause mental weariness
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
used to form the superlative
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
necessitiesnounUS /nəˈsesɪtiz/
plural of “necessity” — the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
not any; not one
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
obviousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːbviəs/
easily perceived by the senses or grasped by the mind
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
inflected form of “occur” — come to pass
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
on one occasion
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
and nothing more
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
positiveadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːzətɪv/
characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
make a promise or commitment
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
the possibility of future success
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
rationaladjectiveUS /ˈræʃ.ən.əl/
Based on or in accordance with reason or logic rather than turbulent emotions.
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
require as useful, just, or proper
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
resortingverbUS /rɪˈzɔːrtɪŋ/
-ing form of “resort” — have recourse to
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
retrieveverbUS /rɪˈtriːv/
get or find back; recover the use of
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
express in words
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
have in common
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
SHEPPARD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
sluggishadjectiveUS /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/
moving slowly
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
a special situation
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This idea, so sluggish was my mind, or so confused by its distresses, never once occurred to me; or if it did, it presented so many dreary images, and so long a prospect of dull and disagreeable labour, that I had not the spirit to pursue it.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SHEPPARD LEE EXPERIENCES HIS SHARE OF THE RESPECT THAT IS ACCORDED TO "HONEST POVERTY."--HIS INGENIOUS AND HIGHLY ORIGINAL DEVICES TO AMEND HIS FORTUNE.
toilverbUS /tɔɪl/
work hard
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading It may be asked, why I made no efforts to retrieve my fortunes?
in the company of; together with
From this reading I answer to that, that I made many, but was so infatuated that I never once thought of resorting to the most obvious, rational, and only means; that is to say, of cultivating with industry my forty acres, as my father had done before me.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading The little toil I was forced to endure--for my necessities now compelled me at times to work with my own hands--appeared to me intolerably irksome; and I was glad to attempt any thing else that seemed to promise me good luck, and did not require positive labour.
