Chapter XVI · Chapter 16

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

matters of personal concern

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

(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 Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

a cherished desire

From this reading But he had a restless, domineering spirit of ambition.

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

a quantity of money

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

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

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

plural of “augur” — (ancient Rome) a religious official who interpreted omens to guide public policy

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

a person's social heritage: previous experience or training

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

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

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

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

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

that part of the central nervous system that includes all the higher nervous centers; enclosed within the skull; continuous with the spinal cord

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

of surpassing excellence

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

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

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

plural of “consideration” — the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

possessive form of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

run or move very quickly or hastily

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

marked by lack of definite plan or regularity or purpose; jumping from one thing to another

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

tending to domineer

From this reading But he had a restless, domineering spirit of ambition.

posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

the side that is forward or prominent

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

pertaining to or concerned with the humanities

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

an impudent statement

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

a heavy ductile magnetic metallic element; is silver-white in pure form but readily rusts; used in construction and tools and armament; plays a role in the transport of oxygen by the blood

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

plural of “manufacture” — the organized action of making of goods and services for sale

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

the force of workers available

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

used to form the superlative

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

in an essential manner

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

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

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

many times at short intervals

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

and nothing more

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

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

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

above and across; more than

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

the act of selling goods for a living

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

past form of “pick” — select carefully from a group

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

one of the common people

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

a plan of action adopted by an individual or social group

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

involving or characteristic of politics or parties or politicians

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

possession of controlling influence

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

having a quality that thrusts itself into attention

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

of or associated with a province

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

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

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

a person who represents others

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

require as useful, just, or proper

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

worried and uneasy

From this reading But he had a restless, domineering spirit of ambition.

move upward

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

plural of “school” — an educational institution

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

a person who is head of an administrative department of government

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

in secrecy; not openly

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

lacking physical depth; having little spatial extension downward or inward from an outer surface or backward or outward from a center

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

complete and without restriction or qualification; sometimes used informally as intensifiers

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading But he had a restless, domineering spirit of ambition.

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

not in physical motion

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

the capital raised by a corporation through the issue of shares entitling holders to an ownership interest

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

happening unexpectedly

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

the activity of providing for or maintaining by supplying with money or necessities

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

in or at that place or location

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

the wood of trees cut and prepared for use as building material

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

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

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

a just detectable amount

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

the quality of unscrupulous dishonesty

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

precisely as stated

From this reading Carl Pérousse, one of the most prominent among the political notabilities of Europe, had begun his career by small peddling transactions in iron and timber manufactures; he came of a very plebeian stock, and had received only a desultory sort of education, picked up here and there in cheap provincial schools.

close enough to be walked to

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

during the time that

From this reading To rise from a statesman to be a Secretary of State augurs a certain amount of brain, though not necessarily of the highest quality; while it certainly betokens a good deal of dash and impudence.

which person or people

From this reading Sometimes it is wealth that brings them to the front; sometimes the strong support secretly given to them by others in the background, who have their own motives to serve, and who require a public representative; but more often still it is sheer unscrupulousness,--or what may be described as ‘walking over’ all humane and honest considerations,--that places them in triumph at the helm of affairs.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.

actively engaged in paid work

From this reading AN “HONOURABLE” STATESMAN It is not easy to trace the causes why it so often happens that semi-educated, and more or less shallow men rise suddenly to a height of brilliant power and influence in the working of a country’s policy.