adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
autobiographynounUS /ˌɔːtəbaɪˈɑːɡrəfi/
a biography of yourself
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
blottedverbUS /ˈblɑːtəd/
inflected form of “blot” — dry (ink) with blotting paper
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
CHILDHOODnounUS /ˈtʃaɪldhʊd/
the time of person's life when they are a child
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
commonplaceadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmənpleɪs/
completely ordinary and unremarkable
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
communicatingnounUS /kəˈmjuːnəkeɪtɪŋ/
the activity of communicating; the activity of conveying information
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
completedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtəd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
concessionsnounUS /kənˈseʃənz/
plural of “concession” — a contract granting the right to operate a subsidiary business
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
constantadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnstənt/
unvarying in nature
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
decidedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd/
recognizable; marked
From this reading I have decided, however, to let the manuscript remain.
difficultiesnounUS /ˈdɪfəkəltiz/
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
disturbedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɜːrbd/
having the place or position changed
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
doubtnounUS /daʊt/
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
failuresnounUS /ˈfeɪljərz/
plural of “failure” — an act that fails
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
heronounUS /ˈhɪroʊ/
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading I have decided, however, to let the manuscript remain.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
ignobleadjectiveUS /ˌɪɡˈnoʊbəl/
completely lacking nobility in character or quality or purpose
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
justifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdʒʌstəfaɪd/
having words so spaced that lines have straight even margins
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading I have decided, however, to let the manuscript remain.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
mainlyadverbUS /ˈmeɪnli/
for the most part
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/
all of the living human inhabitants of the earth
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
manuscriptnounUS /ˈmæn.jə.skrɪpt/
A book, document, or piece of music written by hand rather than typed or printed.
From this reading I have decided, however, to let the manuscript remain.
manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
minepronounUS /maɪn/
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
NOWadverbUS /naʊ/
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
OfprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
perplexedadjectiveUS /pərˈplekst/
full of difficulty or confusion or bewilderment
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
povertynounUS /ˈpɑːvərti/
the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
problemsnounUS /ˈprɑːbləmz/
plural of “problem” — a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
publishverbUS /ˈpʌblɪʃ/
put into print
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
recordnounUS /rəˈkɔːrd/
anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
regretverbUS /rəˈɡret/
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
remainverbUS /rɪˈmeɪn/
stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading I have decided, however, to let the manuscript remain.
rightadverbUS /raɪt/
precisely, exactly
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
risenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪzən/
(of e.g. celestial bodies) above the horizon
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
showverbUS /ʃoʊ/
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
solvedadjectiveUS /sɑːlvd/
explained or answered
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
stimulatingadjectiveUS /ˈstɪmjəleɪtɪŋ/
rousing or quickening activity or the senses
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
successnounUS /səkˈses/
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
sufferingnounUS /ˈsʌfərɪŋ/
a state of acute pain
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
superioradjectiveUS /suːˈpɪriər/
of high or superior quality or performance
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
surmountedadjectiveUS /sərˈmaʊntɪd/
having something on top
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
talenounUS /teɪl/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
tellverbUS /tel/
express in words
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
triumphsnounUS /ˈtraɪəmfs/
plural of “triumph” — a successful ending of a struggle or contest
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
upadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
usenounUS /juːs/
the act of using
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
weaknessesnounUS /ˈwiːknəsəz/
plural of “weakness” — a flaw or weak point
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
whateverdeterminerUS /ˌwʌˈtevər/
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading If I had any triumphs to tell; if I could show how I had risen superior to poverty and suffering; if, in short, I were a hero of any kind whatever, I might perhaps be justified in communicating my success to mankind, and stimulating them to do as I have done.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading But mine is the tale of a commonplace life, perplexed by many problems I have never solved; disturbed by many difficulties I have never surmounted; and blotted by ignoble concessions which are a constant regret.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
worldnounUS /wɜːrld/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Of what use is it, many persons will say, to present to the world what is mainly a record of weaknesses and failures?
yearnounUS /jɪr/
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading CHILDHOOD NOW that I have completed my autobiography up to the present year, I sometimes doubt whether it is right to publish it.
