adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mr. Campbell Pope was a cynic.
advanceverbUS /ədˈvæns/
move forward, also in the metaphorical sense
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
agentnounUS /ˈeɪdʒənt/
an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
analysisnounUS /əˈnæləsəs/
an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
beliefsnounUS /bɪˈliːfs/
plural of “belief” — any cognitive content held as true
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
box-office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
boyishadjectiveUS /ˈbɔɪɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young boy
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
CampbellnounUS /ˈkæmbəl/
United States mythologist (1904-1987)
From this reading Mr. Campbell Pope was a cynic.
carelessnessnounUS /ˈkerləsnəs/
the quality of not being careful or taking pains
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
causticadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstɪk/
harsh or corrosive in tone
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
cherishverbUS /ˈtʃerɪʃ/
be fond of; be attached to
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
circusnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəs/
a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
columnnounUS /ˈkɑːləm/
a line of units following one after another
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
contemptnounUS /kənˈtempt/
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
conventionnounUS /kənˈvenʃən/
a large formal assembly
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
courtesynounUS /ˈkɜːrtəsi/
a courteous or respectful or considerate act
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
criticnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪk/
a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
cultivatedadjectiveUS /ˈkʌltəveɪtɪd/
(of land or fields) prepared for raising crops by plowing or fertilizing
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
cynicnounUS /ˈsɪnɪk/
someone who is critical of the motives of others
From this reading Mr. Campbell Pope was a cynic.
destroyedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrɔɪd/
spoiled or ruined or demolished
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
dramaticadjectiveUS /drəˈmætɪk/
suitable to or characteristic of drama
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
dressverbUS /dres/
put on clothes
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
eminencenounUS /ˈemənəns/
high status importance owing to marked superiority
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
exaggeratedadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzædʒəreɪtəd/
represented as greater than is true or reasonable
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
experienceverbUS /ɪkˈspɪriəns/
undergo or live through a difficult experience
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
fieldnounUS /fiːld/
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
gingerlyadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɪndʒərli/
with extreme care or delicacy
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
habitnounUS /ˈhæbət/
an established custom
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
henceadverbUS /hens/
for this reason
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
hostilitynounUS /hɑːˈstɪləti/
a hostile (very unfriendly) disposition
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
illusionsnounUS /ˌɪˈluːʒənz/
plural of “illusion” — an erroneous mental representation
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
inwardlyadverbUS /ˈɪnwərdli/
with respect to private feelings
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
keenadjectiveUS /kiːn/
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
knacknounUS /næk/
a special way of doing something
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/
apprehended with certainty
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
managersnounUS /ˈmænədʒərz/
plural of “manager” — someone who controls resources and expenditures
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
manifestedverbUS /ˈmænəfestəd/
past form of “manifest” — provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
mannernounUS /ˈmænər/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
MetropolitanadjectiveUS /ˌmetrəˈpɑːlətən/
relating to or characteristic of a metropolis
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
misanthropenounUS /ˈmɪsənθroʊp/
someone who dislikes people in general
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Campbell Pope was a cynic.
muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
naturaladjectiveUS /ˈnætʃərəl/
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
OutwardlyadverbUS /ˈaʊtwərdli/
with respect to the outside
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
PopenounUS /poʊp/
the head of the Roman Catholic Church
From this reading Mr. Campbell Pope was a cynic.
prophetnounUS /ˈprɑːfət/
an authoritative person who divines the future
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
publicitynounUS /pəˈblɪsəti/
a message issued in behalf of some product or cause or idea or person or institution
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
quiteadverbUS /kwaɪt/
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
raisedadjectiveUS /reɪzd/
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/
on the contrary
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
readverbUS /red/
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
rebellionnounUS /rɪˈbeljən/
refusal to accept some authority or code or convention
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
rejoicedverbUS /rɪˈdʒɔɪst/
past form of “rejoice” — feel happiness or joy
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
reviewernounUS /riˈvjuːər/
someone who reads manuscripts and judges their suitability for publication
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
sincereadjectiveUS /sɪnˈsɪr/
open and genuine; not deceitful
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
slovennoun
a coarse obnoxious person
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
souredadjectiveUS /ˈsaʊərd/
having turned bad
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
superbadjectiveUS /sʊˈpɜːrb/
of surpassing excellence
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
theatricaladjectiveUS /θiˈætrɪkəl/
of or relating to the theater
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
treatedadjectiveUS /ˈtriːtɪd/
subjected to a physical (or chemical) treatment or action or agent
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
uncannyadjectiveUS /ənˈkæni/
suggesting the operation of supernatural influences
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Campbell Pope was a cynic.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He had cultivated a superb contempt for those beliefs which other people cherish; he rejoiced in an open rebellion against convention, and manifested this hostility in an exaggerated carelessness of dress and manner.
widelyadverbUS /ˈwaɪdli/
to a great degree
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
witnounUS /wɪt/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading It was perhaps his habit of thought as much as anything else that had made him a dramatic critic; but it was a knack for keen analysis and a natural, caustic wit that had raised him to eminence in his field.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading His column was widely read; his name was known; as a prophet he was uncanny, hence managers treated him with a gingerly courtesy not always quite sincere.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading Outwardly he was a sloven and a misanthrope; inwardly he was simple and rather boyish, but years of experience in a box-office, then as advance man and publicity agent for a circus, and finally as a Metropolitan reviewer, had destroyed his illusions and soured his taste for theatrical life.
