used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
react verbally
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
diversifiedadjectiveUS /daɪˈvɜːrsəfaɪd/
having variety of character or form or components; or having increased variety
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
diversionnounUS /daɪˈvɜːrʒən/
an activity that diverts or amuses or stimulates
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
entertainmentnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənt/
an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
perceive (sound) via the auditory sense
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
the aggregate of past events
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
IMLAC
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
inquireverbUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪr/
address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
inquiriesnounUS /ˌɪnˈkwaɪəriz/
plural of “inquiry” — a search for knowledge
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
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 “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
the force of workers available
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
12 o'clock at night; the middle of the night
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
and nothing more
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
passesnounUS /ˈpæsəz/
plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
pompnounUS /pɑːmp/
cheap or pretentious or vain display
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
princessesnounUS /ˈprɪnsesɪz/
plural of “princess” — a female member of a royal family other than the queen (especially the daughter of a sovereign)
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
Rasselas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
regionsnounUS /ˈriːdʒənz/
plural of “region” — the extended spatial location of something
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
no longer active in your work or profession
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
scholarnounUS /ˈskɒl.ər/
A specialist in a particular branch of study; a distinguished student.
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
without speaking
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
term of address for a man
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
solitudenounUS /ˈsɑːlətuːd/
a state of social isolation
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
an overwhelming feeling of fear and anxiety
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading To talk in public, to think in solitude, to read and to hear, to inquire and answer inquiries, is the business of a scholar.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Rasselas then called for his companion, and required him to begin the story of his life.
torridadjectiveUS /ˈtɔːrəd/
characterized by intense emotion
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
valuedadjectiveUS /ˈvæljuːd/
(usually used in combination) having value of a specified kind
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
precisely as stated
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
wandersverbUS /ˈwɑːndərz/
third-person singular of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading “Sir,” said Imlac, “my history will not be long: the life that is devoted to knowledge passes silently away, and is very little diversified by events.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading He wanders about the world without pomp or terror, and is neither known nor valued but by men like himself.
zonenounUS /zoʊn/
a locally circumscribed place characterized by some distinctive features
From this reading THE HISTORY OF IMLAC The close of the day is, in the regions of the torrid zone, the only season of diversion and entertainment, and it was therefore midnight before the music ceased, and the princesses retired.
