1828
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
40
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
accomplishmentsnounUS /əˈkɑːmplɪʃmənts/
plural of “accomplishment” — the action of accomplishing something
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
a feeling of delighted approval and liking
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
AlexandernounUS /ˌæləɡˈzændər/
European herb somewhat resembling celery widely naturalized in Britain coastal regions and often cultivated as a potherb
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
(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 We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
in addition
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading No one ever wishes to be another, _instead_ of himself.
another's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
arrivesverbUS /ərˈaɪvz/
third-person singular of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
complimentverbUS /ˈkɑːmpləment/
say something to someone that expresses praise
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
cynicnounUS /ˈsɪnɪk/
someone who is critical of the motives of others
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
DesiringverbUS /dɪˈzaɪərɪŋ/
-ing form of “desire” — feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
Diogenesnoun
an ancient Greek philosopher and Cynic who rejected social conventions (circa 400-325 BC)
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
doit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
envynounUS /ˈenvi/
a feeling of grudging admiration and desire to have something that is possessed by another
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
at any time
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
exceptionnounUS /ɪkˈsepʃən/
a deliberate act of omission
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
FeaturedadjectiveUS /ˈfiːtʃərd/
made a feature or highlight; given prominence
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
(astronomy) the angular distance of a celestial point measured westward along the celestial equator from the zenith crossing; the right ascension for an observer at a particular location and time of day
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
a man distinguished by exceptional courage and nobility and strength
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading No one ever wishes to be another, _instead_ of himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
IDENTITYnounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
in place of, or as an alternative to
From this reading No one ever wishes to be another, _instead_ of himself.
invariableadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbəl/
not liable to or capable of change
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
JanuarynounUS /ˈdʒænjuːeri/
the first month of the year; begins 10 days after the winter solstice
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
LEARnounUS /lɪr/
British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888)
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
MacedoniannounUS /ˌmæsəˈdoʊnjən/
a native or inhabitant of Macedon
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
MagazinenounUS /ˈmæɡəziːn/
a periodic publication containing pictures and stories and articles of interest to those who purchase it or subscribe to it
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
MonthlynounUS /ˈmʌnθli/
a periodical that is published every month (or 12 issues per year)
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
not any; not one
From this reading No one ever wishes to be another, _instead_ of himself.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading No one ever wishes to be another, _instead_ of himself.
and nothing more
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
plural of “place” — a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
reservationnounUS /ˌrezərˈveɪʃən/
a district that is reserved for particular purpose
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
past form of “retort” — answer back
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
possessing material wealth
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
scopenounUS /skoʊp/
an area in which something acts or operates or has power or control: "the range of a supersonic jet"
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
self-lovenoun
feelings of excessive pride
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
selvesnounUS /selvz/
plural of “self” — your consciousness of your own identity
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
sophisticatedadjectiveUS /səˈfɪstəkeɪtɪd/
having or appealing to those having worldly knowledge and refinement and savoir-faire
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
stareverbUS /ster/
look at with fixed eyes
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
not in physical motion
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
the property of being physically or mentally strong
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
universaladjectiveUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəl/
of worldwide scope or applicability
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
which person or people
From this reading ‘They also serve who only stare and wait.’[40] ON PERSONAL IDENTITY _The Monthly Magazine._] [_January, 1828._ ‘Ha! here be three of us sophisticated.’—LEAR.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading This is the universal exception, the invariable reservation that our self-love makes, the utmost point at which our admiration or envy ever arrives—to wish, if we were not ourselves, to be some other individual.
plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire
From this reading No one ever wishes to be another, _instead_ of himself.
WishingnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪŋ/
a specific feeling of desire
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
in the company of; together with
From this reading We may feel a desire to change places with others—to have one man’s fortune—another’s health or strength—his wit or learning, or accomplishments of various kinds— ‘Wishing to be like one more rich in hope, Featured like him, like him with friends possessed, Desiring this man’s art, and that man’s scope:’ but we would still be our selves, to possess and enjoy all these, or we would not give a doit for them.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading ‘If I were not Alexander, I would be Diogenes!’ said the Macedonian hero; and the cynic might have retorted the compliment upon the prince by saying, that, ‘were he not Diogenes, he would be Alexander!’
