used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
(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 The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
arisesverbUS /ərˈaɪzəz/
third-person singular of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
BeatricenounUS /ˈbiːətrəs/
the woman who guided Dante through Paradise in the Divine Comedy
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
the qualities that give pleasure to the senses
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
BenedicknounUS /ˈbenədɪk/
a newly married man (especially one who has long been a bachelor)
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
DisdainverbUS /dɪsˈdeɪn/
look down on with disdain
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
an opposing military force
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
entrappedverbUS /ɪnˈtræpt/
inflected form of “entrap” — take or catch as if in a snare or trap
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
opinion or judgment
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
only a very short time before
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
jestsnounUS /dʒests/
plural of “jest” — a humorous anecdote or remark intended to provoke laughter
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
in order that something should not happen
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
engage in
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
Misprising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
not any; not one
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
and nothing more
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
persecutesverbUS /ˈpɜːrsəkjuːts/
third-person singular of “persecute” — cause to suffer
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
plausibleadjectiveUS /ˈplɔːzəbəl/
apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
professedadjectiveUS /prəˈfest/
professing to be qualified
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
projectverbUS /ˈprɑːdʒekt/
communicate vividly
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
sit and travel on the back of animal, usually while controlling its motions
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
self-endeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
sparklingadjectiveUS /ˈspɑːrklɪŋ/
shining with brilliant points of light like stars
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
staunchadjectiveUS /stɔːntʃ/
firm and dependable especially in loyalty
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
carry out
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
for that reason; as a result
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The beauty of all this arises from the characters of the persons so entrapped.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
Ursula
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
ValuesnounUS /ˈvæljuːz/
beliefs of a person or social group in which they have an emotional investment (either for or against something)
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
precisely as stated
From this reading Benedick is a professed and staunch enemy to marriage, and gives very plausible reasons for the faith that is in him.
wanting in physical strength
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading _Ursula._ Sure, I think so; And therefore, certainly, it were not good She knew his love, lest she make sport at it.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading ‘_Hero._ Disdain and scorn ride sparkling in her eyes, Misprising what they look on; and her wit Values itself so highly, that to her All matter else seems weak: she cannot love, Nor take no shape nor project of affection, She is so self-endeared.
in the company of; together with
From this reading And as to Beatrice, she persecutes him all day with her jests (so that he could hardly think of being troubled with them at night) she not only turns him but all other things into jest, and is proof against everything serious.
