used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
accentnounUS /əkˈsent/
distinctive manner of oral expression
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
affinitynounUS /əˈfɪnəti/
(immunology) the attraction between an antigen and an antibody
From this reading He was the affinity of two celebrated instances to the contrary.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
antagonistnounUS /ænˈtæɡənəst/
someone who offers opposition
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
astonishingadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋ/
surprising greatly
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
BenjaminnounUS /ˈbendʒəmən/
gum resin used especially in treating skin irritation
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
bindingnounUS /ˈbaɪndɪŋ/
the capacity to attract and hold something
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
celebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading He was the affinity of two celebrated instances to the contrary.
CelticadjectiveUS /ˈseltɪk/
relating to or characteristic of the Celts
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
comediannounUS /kəˈmiːdiən/
a professional performer who tells jokes and performs comical acts
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
concludesverbUS /kənˈkluːdz/
third-person singular of “conclude” — decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
very opposed in nature or character or purpose
From this reading He was the affinity of two celebrated instances to the contrary.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
discovered or determined by scientific observation
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
having made preparations
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
DisraelinounUS /dɪzˈreɪli/
British statesman who as Prime Minister bought controlling interest in the Suez Canal and made Queen Victoria the empress of India (1804-1881)
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
estimatenounUS /ˈestəmət/
an approximate calculation of quantity or degree or worth
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was the affinity of two celebrated instances to the contrary.
HebrewnounUS /ˈhiːbruː/
the ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
identitynounUS /aɪˈdentɪtiː/
the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
instancesnounUS /ˈɪnstənsəz/
plural of “instance” — an occurrence of something
From this reading He was the affinity of two celebrated instances to the contrary.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
maintainedadjectiveUS /meɪnˈteɪnd/
kept in good condition
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
engage in
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
mellowadjectiveUS /ˈmeloʊ/
unhurried and relaxed
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
used to form the superlative
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
O'Connell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
and nothing more
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
paradoxnounUS /ˈperədɑːks/
(logic) a statement that contradicts itself
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
parallelnounUS /ˈperəlel/
something having the property of being analogous to something else
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
PhiladelphianounUS /ˌfɪləˈdelfiə/
the largest city in Pennsylvania; located in the southeastern part of the state on the Delaware river; site of Independence Hall where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were signed; site of the University of Pennsylvania
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
plumadverbUS /plʌm/
exactly
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
pruneverbUS /pruːn/
cultivate, tend, and cut back the growth of
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
plural of “reason” — a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
past form of “regard” — deem to be
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
resemblancenounUS /rɪˈzembləns/
similarity in appearance or external or superficial details
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
in a serious manner
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
unusual or striking
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
statesman'snounUS /ˈsteɪtsmənz/
possessive form of “statesman” — a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
carry out
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
tartadjectiveUS /tɑːrt/
tasting sour like a lemon
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading He was the affinity of two celebrated instances to the contrary.
unmistakableadjectiveUS /ˌʌnmɪˈsteɪkəbəl/
clearly evident to the mind
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
whimsies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To those who enjoy the whimsies of paradox he presented an astonishing resemblance, in countenance, to the late Benjamin Disraeli, and maintained in speech the unmistakable accent of O'Connell, the Hebrew statesman's Celtic antagonist.
which person or people
From this reading His only parallel was the comedian who is compelled to take himself seriously and make the most of it, or a tart plum that concludes in a mellow prune.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For these reasons, until the nature of his business was discovered, he was regarded with interest by that class which is disposed to estimate the contents of a book by the character of the binding, or thinks it can measure a man's ability by the size of his hat.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Not long since there lived, in the city of Philadelphia, a young man of singular identity.
