used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
to or in a foreign country
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
active-minded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
acted upon; influenced
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
how long something has existed
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
bishopsnounUS /ˈbɪʃəps/
plural of “bishop” — a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
chancellorsnounUS /ˈtʃænsələrz/
plural of “chancellor” — the British cabinet minister responsible for finance
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
characteristicsnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪks/
plural of “characteristic” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/
plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
compromiseverbUS /ˈkɑːmprəmaɪz/
make a compromise; arrive at a compromise
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
contrastnounUS /ˈkɑːntræst/
the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
dandies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
dissipationnounUS /ˌdɪsɪˈpeɪʃən/
breaking up and scattering by dispersion
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
drolladjectiveUS /droʊl/
comical in an odd or whimsical manner
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/
having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
eccentricadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsentrɪk/
conspicuously or grossly unconventional or unusual
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
one or the other of two
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
relatively long in duration; tediously protracted
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
frivolitynounUS /frəˈvɑːləti/
the trait of being frivolous; not serious or sensible
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
gratificationnounUS /ˌɡrætəfəˈkeɪʃən/
state of being gratified or satisfied
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
death of a person
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
a search for knowledge
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
being nothing more than specified
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
and nothing more
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
minglingnounUS /ˈmɪŋɡəlɪŋ/
the action of people mingling and coming into contact
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
mixturenounUS /ˈmɪkstʃər/
(chemistry) a substance consisting of two or more substances mixed together (not in fixed proportions and not with chemical bonding)
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
used to form the superlative
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
absolutely essential
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
marked by the reception of pay
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
paradoxicaladjectiveUS /ˌperəˈdɑːksɪkəl/
seemingly contradictory but nonetheless possibly true
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
by chance
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
an amount of time
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
pervadesverbUS /pərˈveɪdz/
third-person singular of “pervade” — spread or diffuse through
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
philosophersnounUS /fəˈlɑːsəfərz/
plural of “philosopher” — a specialist in philosophy
From this reading The age which made dandies philosophers made lord chancellors droll, and bishops eccentric.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
a feeling of self-respect and personal worth
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
prizedverbUS /praɪzd/
past form of “prize” — hold dear
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
bring forth or yield
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
recklessadjectiveUS /ˈrekləs/
marked by defiant disregard for danger or consequences
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
relaxationnounUS /ˌriːlækˈseɪʃən/
(physiology) the gradual lengthening of inactive muscle or muscle fibers
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
plural of “scene” — the place where some action occurs
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
sensualadjectiveUS /ˈsenʃəwəl/
marked by the appetites and passions of the body
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
seriousnessnounUS /ˈsɪriəsnəs/
an earnest and sincere feeling
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
unusual or striking
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
that is looked for
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
a facility equipped with special equipment and personnel for a particular purpose
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
well-to-doadjective
in fortunate circumstances financially; moderately rich
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
at the time that
From this reading Never was there a period when merely sensual gratification was more highly prized and paid for; and never, perhaps, a time when every rank in life was more eager in the pursuit of knowledge.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading ONE of the most striking characteristics of our present age is the singular mixture of frivolity and seriousness, the almost absurd contrast between grave inquiry and reckless dissipation, which pervades the well-to-do classes.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading To produce this state of things a certain compromise was necessary; and while the mere man of pleasure affected a taste for literature and politics, the really active-minded either sought his relaxation, or extended his influence, by mingling in scenes of frivolity and amusement.
in the company of; together with
From this reading A paradoxical spirit was abroad, and it seemed to be a matter of pride with every one to do something out of his station.
