Chapter VI · Chapter 6

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

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

the quality of being unclear or abstruse and hard to understand

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

(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 the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

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

From this reading "And you really solved it?"

the act of bringing something to bear; using it for a particular purpose

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

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

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

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

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

an occurrence of something

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

plural of “case” — an occurrence of something

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

A secret or disguised way of writing; a code used to conceal ancient secrets.

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

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

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

feeling or showing worry or solicitude

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

being joined in close association

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

be contingent upon (something that is elided)

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

relating to societies in which capital needed to industrialize is in short supply

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

an effort that is inconvenient

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

a manner of speaking that is natural to native speakers of a language

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

commodities (goods or services) bought from a foreign country

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

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

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

the power of creative imagination

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "And you really solved it?"

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

(of handwriting, print, etc.) capable of being read or deciphered

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

being nothing more than specified

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

on one occasion

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

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

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

without much difficulty

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading "And you really solved it?"

plural of “regard” — (usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

bring to an end; settle conclusively

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

plural of “riddle” — a difficult problem

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

only a very short time before

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

a homogeneous mixture of two or more substances; frequently (but not necessarily) a liquid solution

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

explained or answered

From this reading "And you really solved it?"

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

carry out

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

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

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading In fact, having once established connected and legible characters, I scarcely gave a thought to the mere difficulty of developing their import.

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

a more or less definite period of time now or previously present

From this reading "Readily; I have solved others of an abstruseness ten thousand times greater.

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

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

characterized by variety

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

(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 Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

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

From this reading Circumstances, and a certain bias of mind, have led me to take interest in such riddles, and it may well be doubted whether human ingenuity can construct an enigma of the kind which human ingenuity may not, by proper application, resolve.

the act of creating written works

From this reading "In the present case--indeed in all cases of secret writing--the first question regards the LANGUAGE of the cipher; for the principles of solution, so far, especially, as the more simple ciphers are concerned, depend on, and are varied by, the genius of the particular idiom.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading "And you really solved it?"