1
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
aimverbUS /eɪm/
point or cause to go (blows, weapons, or objects such as photographic equipment) towards
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
in addition
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
boundariesnounUS /ˈbaʊndəriz/
plural of “boundary” — the line or plane indicating the limit or extent of something
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
of short duration or distance
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
containverbUS /kənˈteɪn/
include or contain; have as a component
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
characterized by great determination
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
EditornounUS /ˈedətər/
a person responsible for the editorial aspects of publication; the person who determines the final content of a text (especially of a newspaper or magazine)
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
elementnounUS /ˈeləmənt/
an abstract part of something
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
to the same degree (often followed by “as”)
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
fictionnounUS /ˈfɪkʃən/
a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
humornounUS /ˈhjuːmər/
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
humorousadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmərəs/
full of or characterized by humor
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
includedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkluːdəd/
enclosed in the same envelope or package
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
and nothing more
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
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 _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
strongly marked; easily noticeable
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
MasterpiecesnounUS /ˈmæstərpiːsəz/
plural of “masterpiece” — the most outstanding work of a creative artist or craftsman
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
and nothing more
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
notifiedverbUS /ˈnoʊtəfaɪd/
inflected form of “notify” — inform (somebody) of something
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
plural of “piece” — a separate part of a whole
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
refrainverbUS /rɪˈfreɪn/
resist doing something
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
RepresentativenounUS /ˌreprəˈzentətɪv/
a person who represents others
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
Identical; not different.
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
occurring or distributed over widely spaced and irregular intervals in time or space
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
selectadjectiveUS /səˈlekt/
of superior grade
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
selectingverbUS /səˈlektɪŋ/
-ing form of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
SeriesnounUS /ˈsɪriz/
similar things placed in order or happening one after another
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
standardadjectiveUS /ˈstændərd/
conforming to or constituting a standard of measurement or value; or of the usual or regularized or accepted kind
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
plural of “story” — 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 _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
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 _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
express a supposition
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
a word or expression used for some particular thing
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
in or at that place or location
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
tested and proved useful or correct
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
unitynounUS /ˈjuːnəti/
an undivided or unbroken completeness or totality with nothing wanting
From this reading I have tried to keep a certain unity of aim and impression in selecting these stories.
veinnounUS /veɪn/
a blood vessel that carries blood from the capillaries toward the heart
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object
From this reading _Editor of “Representative American Short Stories,” “The Book of the Short Story,” the “Little French Masterpieces” Series, etc._ This volume does not aim to contain all “the best American humorous short stories”; there are many other stories equally as good, I suppose, in much the same vein, scattered through the range of American literature.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In the first place I determined that the pieces of brief fiction which I included must first of all be not merely good stories, but good short stories.
which person or people
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading I put myself in the position of one who was about to select the best short stories in the whole range of American literature,[1] but who, just before he started to do this, was notified that he must refrain from selecting any of the best American short stories that did not contain the element of humor to a marked degree.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading But I have kept in mind the wide boundaries of the term humor, and also the fact that the humorous standard should be kept second—although a close second—to the short story standard.
