used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
affectionateadjectiveUS /əˈfekʃənət/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
alacritynounUS /əˈlækrəti/
liveliness and eagerness
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
ardornounUS /ˈɑːrdər/
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
associatesnounUS /əˈsoʊsiəts/
plural of “associate” — a person who joins with others in some activity or endeavor
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
correspondingadjectiveUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndɪŋ/
accompanying
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
unlike in nature or quality or form or degree
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
disinterestedadjectiveUS /dɪˈsɪntrɪstɪd/
unaffected by self-interest
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
dispositionsnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃənz/
plural of “disposition” — your usual mood
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
dissonancenounUS /ˈdɪsənəns/
a conflict of people's opinions or actions or characters
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
disunionnounUS /dɪˈsjuːnjən/
the termination or destruction of union
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
engagingadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒɪŋ/
attracting or delighting
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
steadfast in affection or allegiance
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
guardiannounUS /ˈɡɑːrdiən/
a person who cares for persons or property
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
someone employed to conduct others
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
HAVENnounUS /ˈheɪvən/
a shelter serving as a place of safety or sanctuary
From this reading NEW HAVEN.
the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
plural of “interest” — a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
jarringadjectiveUS /ˈdʒɑːrɪŋ/
making or causing a harsh and irritating sound
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading M. WHARTON.
maternaladjectiveUS /məˈtɜːrnəl/
characteristic of a mother
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading TO MRS.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading NEW HAVEN.
not any; not one
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
parentnounUS /ˈperənt/
a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
a strong feeling or emotion
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
a writing implement with a point from which ink flows
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
perplexverbUS /pərˈpleks/
be a mystery or bewildering to
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
politeadjectiveUS /pəˈlaɪt/
showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
refinedadjectiveUS /rəˈfaɪnd/
(used of persons and their behavior) cultivated and genteel
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
riper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
sedateadjectiveUS /sɪˈdeɪt/
characterized by dignity and propriety
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
seeksnounUS /siːks/
plural of “seek” — the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
sentimentaladjectiveUS /ˌsentəˈmentəl/
given to or marked by sentiment or sentimentality
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
given to sympathy or gentleness or sentimentality
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TO MRS.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
unchangingadjectiveUS /ənˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
conforming to the same principles or course of action over time
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
WHARTONnounUS /ˈwɔːrtən/
United States novelist (1862-1937)
From this reading M. WHARTON.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The different dispositions of various associates sometimes perplex the mind which seeks direction; but in the disinterested affection of the maternal breast we fear no dissonance of passion, no jarring interests, no disunion of love.
in the company of; together with
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
a late time of life
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
a young person (especially a young man or boy)
From this reading From the conversation of the polite, the sedate, the engaging, and the gay,--from corresponding with the learned, the sentimental, and the refined,--my heart and my pen turn with ardor and alacrity to a tender and affectionate parent, the faithful guardian and guide of my youth, the unchanging friend of my riper years.
