used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Henry VIII. and His Harem in Hades.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
appropriateverbUS /əˈproʊpriət/
give or assign a resource to a particular person or cause
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
Bret
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
busilyadverbUS /ˈbɪzəli/
in a busy manner
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
CondensedverbUS /kənˈdenst/
past form of “condense” — undergo condensation; change from a gaseous to a liquid state and fall in drops
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
designateverbUS /ˈdezəɡneɪt/
assign a name or title to
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Why don’t you say something funny, you humorists?
lacking in liveliness or animation
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
enlivenverbUS /enˈlaɪvən/
heighten or intensify
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
widely known and esteemed
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
finisnoun
the temporal end; the concluding time
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
arousing or provoking laughter
From this reading Why don’t you say something funny, you humorists?
the act of acquiring something
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
HadesnounUS /ˈheɪdiz/
(Greek mythology) the god of the underworld in ancient mythology; brother of Zeus and husband of Persephone
From this reading Henry VIII. and His Harem in Hades.
HaremnounUS /ˈherəm/
living quarters reserved for wives and concubines and female relatives in a Muslim household
From this reading Henry VIII. and His Harem in Hades.
HartenounUS /hɑːrt/
United States writer noted for his stories about life during the California gold rush (1836-1902)
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
a unit of inductance in which an induced electromotive force of one volt is produced when the current is varied at the rate of one ampere per second
From this reading Henry VIII. and His Harem in Hades.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Henry VIII. and His Harem in Hades.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
humoristsnounUS /ˈhjuːmərɪsts/
plural of “humorist” — someone who acts speaks or writes in an amusing way
From this reading Why don’t you say something funny, you humorists?
humorousadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmərəs/
full of or characterized by humor
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Henry VIII. and His Harem in Hades.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
the force of workers available
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
NovelsnounUS /ˈnɑːvəlz/
plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
PennnounUS /pen/
Englishman and Quaker who founded the colony of Pennsylvania (1644-1718)
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
QuakernounUS /ˈkweɪkər/
a member of the Religious Society of Friends founded by George Fox (the Friends have never called themselves Quakers)
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
reviewingverbUS /riˈvjuːɪŋ/
-ing form of “review” — look at again; examine again
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
SabbathnounUS /ˈsæbəθ/
a day of rest and worship: Sunday for most Christians; Saturday for the Jews and a few Christians; Friday for Muslims
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
express in words
From this reading Why don’t you say something funny, you humorists?
shredsnounUS /ʃredz/
plural of “shred” — a tiny or scarcely detectable amount
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Why don’t you say something funny, you humorists?
first day of the week; observed as a day of rest and worship by most Christians
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
tearingnounUS /ˈterɪŋ/
shedding tears
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
to-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
the act of using
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
VIIInoun
the cardinal number that is the sum of seven and one
From this reading Henry VIII. and His Harem in Hades.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
What's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What’s the use of having famous funny men in this society if they cannot enliven Hades on a dull Sabbath?”
which person or people
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why don’t you say something funny, you humorists?
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading “I’m not in the humor to be humorous to-night,” said Bret Harte, who was busily engaged in making “Condensed Novels” by tearing to shreds without reading, their contents from the title page to the finis; book reviewing they designate it up on earth.
love unquestioningly and uncritically or to excess; venerate as an idol
From this reading “Quaker worship may be as appropriate as any other kind on Sunday,” observed William Penn, “but this silence is getting on my nerves.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Why don’t you say something funny, you humorists?
