Chapter VIII

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

(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 A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

similar or equivalent in some respects though otherwise dissimilar

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

ruin completely

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

the opposition or dissimilarity of things that are compared

From this reading THE CONTRAST.

an act of copying

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

past form of “decline” — grow worse

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the quality of being worthy of esteem or respect

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

plural of “evening” — the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

opinion or judgment

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

the experiencing of affective and emotional states

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

the period of greatest prosperity or productivity

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

not serious in content or attitude or behavior

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

not fake or counterfeit

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

a young female

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

characteristic of humanity

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

free from evil or guilt

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

with strained or eager attention

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

either of two folds of skin that can be moved to cover or open the eye

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

similarity in appearance or character or nature between persons or things

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

a written account of what transpired at a meeting

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

a midwestern state in north central United States in the Great Lakes region

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

used of mouth or eyes

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

above and across; more than

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

past form of “pass” — go across or through

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

the time that has elapsed

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

a word picture of a person's appearance and character

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

a state of being carried away by overwhelming emotion

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the act of assuming or maintaining a reclining position

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

represented accurately or precisely

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

no longer active in your work or profession

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

an unelaborated elementary awareness of stimulation

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

not agitated; without losing self-possession

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

get rid of

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

resembling or reminiscent of silver

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

term of address for a man

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

past form of “sparkle” — reflect brightly

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

possessive form of “temple” — place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading THE CONTRAST.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

feeling intense pleasurable excitement

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

precisely as stated

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

author of the first novel by an African American that was published in the United States (1808-1870)

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

in the company of; together with

From this reading On the evening of Sir William Temple's dinner-party, the invitation to which Lord Albert had declined, he retired at an early hour to his study; and having closed his door, he sat some minutes with his head reclining on his hands, endeavouring to shut out the frivolous insignificances of many late past evenings, and to recal those of a very different description and tendency.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

but in spite of that

From this reading A sweet and silvery tone of feeling analogous to a fine Wilson that hung opposite to his writing-table, shed a serene, self-satisfying sensation over his mind; it might be a false complacency, yet complacency for the time being it was--and he opened his writing-box, in the lid of which was a portrait.

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading A flush passed over his countenance, his eyes sparkled, and a genuine sensation of rapture thrilled through his heart, as he said, "Oh! how superior to all I now see around me--young, innocent, intelligent, the dignity of human nature is here!

suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh

From this reading This portrait represented a very youthful girl intently busied in copying a bust, the likeness of himself.