used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
having companions or an escort
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
admonitoryadjectiveUS /ˌædˈmɔːnɪtɔːri/
serving to warn
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
a positive feeling of liking
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
(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 His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
assetnounUS /ˈæset/
a useful or valuable quality
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
benefitsnounUS /ˈbenəfɪts/
plural of “benefit” — financial assistance in time of need
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
Benson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
examine so as to determine accuracy, quality, or condition
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
conferverbUS /kənˈfɜːr/
have a conference in order to talk something over
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
constitutionallyadverbUS /ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃənəli/
according to the constitution
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
the feeling that accompanies an unsatisfied state
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
developmentnounUS /dɪˈveləpmənt/
act of improving by expanding or enlarging or refining
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
extravagancenounUS /ekˈstrævəɡəns/
the quality of exceeding the appropriate limits of decorum or probability or truth
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
the trait of acting stupidly or rashly
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
having unexpected good fortune
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
usually; as a rule
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
willing to give and share unstintingly
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
destroyed or killed
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
hintsnounUS /hɪnts/
plural of “hint” — an indirect suggestion
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
influencesnounUS /ˈɪnfluːənsɪz/
plural of “influence” — a power to affect persons or events especially power based on prestige etc
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
JacobnounUS /ˈdʒeɪkəb/
French biochemist who (with Jacques Monod) studied regulatory processes in cells (born in 1920)
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
largelyadverbUS /ˈlɑːrdʒli/
in large part; mainly or chiefly
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
lastingadjectiveUS /ˈlæstɪŋ/
continuing or enduring without marked change in status or condition or place
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
lawyer'snounUS /ˈlɔːjərz/
possessive form of “lawyer” — a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
having or showing profound knowledge
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
used to form the superlative
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
not any; not one
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
on one occasion
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
by chance
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
predisposedadjectiveUS /ˌpriːdɪˈspoʊzd/
made susceptible
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
prestigenounUS /preˈstiːʒ/
a high standing achieved through success or influence or wealth etc.
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
readinessnounUS /ˈredinəs/
the state of having been made ready or prepared for use or action (especially military action)
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
reasonableadjectiveUS /ˈriːzənəbəl/
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
resultsnounUS /rɪˈzʌlts/
plural of “result” — a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
cut with a saw
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
an educational institution
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
inflected form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
skipverbUS /skɪp/
bypass
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
StephennounUS /ˈstiːvən/
English writer (1832-1904)
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
strengthenedadjectiveUS /ˈstreŋθənd/
given added strength or support
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
tangibleadjectiveUS /ˈtændʒəbəl/
perceptible by the senses especially the sense of touch
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
teachersnounUS /ˈtiːtʃərz/
plural of “teacher” — a person whose occupation is teaching
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These benefits might be accompanied by admonitory hints as to the folly of extravagance, but he could always skip these hints, and the lawyer's check was an asset that gave him great prestige among his fellows.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
two times
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
precisely as stated
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading His Uncle Jacob was able and generally quite willing to confer most tangible benefits, he could not have been more generous, nor have shown a greater readiness to do for him in all reasonable ways; and Stephen early learned that an appeal to him was certain of results.
wiseradjectiveUS /ˈwaɪzər/
comparative of “wise” — having or prompted by wisdom or discernment
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth
From this reading He was fortunate in his teachers perhaps, and it was all in his favour that he was constitutionally predisposed to good influences, and that they made a lasting impression on him; since his development was largely a matter of chance, he might easily have gone very far wrong and no one been the wiser.
a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days
From this reading Benson he saw once or twice each year, and his affection steadily strengthened toward him.
a late time of life
From this reading After the first two or three years at school, he gave up all idea, as he lost all desire, to return to Benson.
