adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
allowedverbUS /əˈlaʊd/
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
amidstprepositionUS /əˈmɪdst/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Literature and the Middle Classes.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
Artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
bluntlyadverbUS /ˈblʌntli/
in a blunt direct manner
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
bornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/
brought into existence
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
boundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/
confined by bonds
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
bredverbUS /bred/
inflected form of “breed” — call forth
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
castverbUS /kæst/
put or send forth
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
ClassesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading Literature and the Middle Classes.
comparativelyadverbUS /kəmˈperətɪvli/
in a relative manner; by comparison to something else
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
compelledverbUS /kəmˈpeld/
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
composedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpoʊzd/
serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
containsverbUS /kənˈteɪnz/
third-person singular of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
Debrett's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
distinctionnounUS /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/
a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
drawingnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
drewnounUS /druː/
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
environmentnounUS /ɪnˈvaɪrənmənt/
the totality of surrounding conditions
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
everadverbUS /ˈevər/
at any time
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
expressverbUS /ɪkˈspres/
give expression to
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
FormerlyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrmərli/
at a previous time
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
freeverbUS /friː/
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
gilt-edgedadjective
of the highest quality or value
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
HillnounUS /hɪl/
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
humournounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
imaginationnounUS /ˌɪmædʒəˈneɪʃən/
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
individualitynounUS /ˌɪndɪvɪdʒuːˈælɪti/
the quality of being individual
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
insightnounUS /ˈɪnsaɪt/
clear or deep perception of a situation
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
knowledgenounUS /ˈnɑːlədʒ/
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
LanenounUS /leɪn/
a narrow way or road
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
LettersnounUS /ˈletərz/
the literary culture
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
LiteraryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
LiteraturenounUS /ˈlɪtərətʃər/
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading Literature and the Middle Classes.
mastersnounUS /ˈmæstərz/
United States poet (1869-1950)
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
mennounUS /men/
the force of workers available
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
MiddlenounUS /ˈmɪdəl/
an area that is approximately central within some larger region
From this reading Literature and the Middle Classes.
middle-classadjectiveUS /ˈmɪdəlˈklæs/
occupying a socioeconomic position intermediate between those of the lower classes and the wealthy
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
movingadjectiveUS /ˈmuːvɪŋ/
in motion
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
necessitynounUS /nəˈsesəti/
the condition of being essential or indispensable
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
neverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
Notting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
NowadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
numerousadjectiveUS /ˈnuːmərəs/
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
observationnounUS /ˌɑːbzərˈveɪʃən/
the act of making and recording a measurement
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
obstaclenounUS /ˈɑːbstəkəl/
something immaterial that stands in the way and must be circumvented or surmounted
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
offencenoun
the action of attacking an enemy
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
ornamentverbUS /ˈɔːrnəmənt/
make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
ParknounUS /pɑːrk/
a large area of land preserved in its natural state as public property
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
passedverbUS /pæst/
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
pathwaynounUS /ˈpæθweɪ/
a bundle of myelinated nerve fibers following a path through the brain
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
PeeragenounUS /ˈpɪrədʒ/
the peers of a kingdom considered as a group
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
possessedadjectiveUS /pəˈzest/
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
presentedverbUS /priˈzentɪd/
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
professionnounUS /prəˈfeʃən/
the body of people in a learned occupation
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
publicnounUS /ˈpʌblɪk/
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
purelyadverbUS /ˈpjʊrli/
restricted to something
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
putverbUS /pʊt/
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
ranksnounUS /ræŋks/
plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
rapidly-diminishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/
plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
rednounUS /red/
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
remainverbUS /rɪˈmeɪn/
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
representativenounUS /ˌreprəˈzentətɪv/
a person who represents others
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
routenounUS /ruːt/
an established line of travel or access
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
sectionnounUS /ˈsekʃən/
a self-contained part of a larger composition (written or musical)
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
shortestadjectiveUS /ˈʃɔːrtɪst/
superlative of “short” — primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
showsnounUS /ʃoʊz/
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
slurverbUS /slɜːr/
play smoothly or legato
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
socialadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊʃəl/
relating to human society and its members
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
sorryadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːri/
feeling or expressing regret or sorrow or a sense of loss over something done or undone
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
speakverbUS /spiːk/
express in speech
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
speakingnounUS /ˈspiːkɪŋ/
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/
not in physical motion
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
StrandnounUS /strænd/
a pattern forming a unity within a larger structural whole
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
stylenounUS /staɪl/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
sympathynounUS /ˈsɪmpəθi/
an inclination to support or be loyal to or to agree with an opinion
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
tasteful-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Literature and the Middle Classes.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
throughprepositionUS /θruː/
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading We drew from the middle-class life around us, passed it through our own middle-class individuality, and presented it to a public composed of middle-class readers.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
understoodadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/
fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
volumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Formerly, provided we were masters of style, possessed imagination and insight, understood human nature, had sympathy with and knowledge of life, and could express ourselves with humour and distinction, our pathway was, comparatively speaking, free from obstacle.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading I am sorry to be compelled to cast a slur upon the Literary profession, but observation shows me that it still contains within its ranks writers born and bred in, and moving amidst--if, without offence, one may put it bluntly--a purely middle-class environment: men and women to whom Park Lane will never be anything than the shortest route between Notting Hill and the Strand; to whom Debrett's Peerage--gilt-edged and bound in red, a tasteful-looking volume--ever has been and ever will remain a drawing- room ornament and not a social necessity.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading Now what is to become of these writers--of us, if for the moment I may be allowed to speak as representative of this rapidly-diminishing yet nevertheless still numerous section of the world of Art and Letters?
