abilitynounUS /əˈbɪlətiː/
the quality of being able to perform; a quality that permits or facilitates achievement or accomplishment
From this reading It was this ability to see the other person’s point of view that had been, and would always be, the curse of his life.
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
filled with fear or apprehension
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
(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 Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Such men as Philip are not among the fine creatures of the world.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Such men as Philip are not among the fine creatures of the world.
arisenverbUS /ərˈɪzən/
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
for the reason that
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
come open suddenly and violently, as if from internal pressure
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
an occurrence of something
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
conceitnounUS /kənˈsiːt/
feelings of excessive pride
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading Such men as Philip are not among the fine creatures of the world.
profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
From this reading It was this ability to see the other person’s point of view that had been, and would always be, the curse of his life.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
divisible by two
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
mat together and make felt-like
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Such men as Philip are not among the fine creatures of the world.
fineradjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnər/
(comparative of “fine”) greater in quality or excellence
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
hadn't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
hurtingnounUS /ˈhɜːrtɪŋ/
a symptom of some physical hurt or disorder
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
a feeling of righteous anger
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
the force of workers available
From this reading Such men as Philip are not among the fine creatures of the world.
MIRRORnounUS /ˈmɪrər/
polished surface that forms images by reflecting light
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/
plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
person'snounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/
possessive form of “person” — a human being
From this reading It was this ability to see the other person’s point of view that had been, and would always be, the curse of his life.
Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
pretentiousadjectiveUS /priˈtenʃəs/
making claim to or creating an appearance of (often undeserved) importance or distinction
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
To recall to mind.
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
precisely, exactly
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
filled with satisfaction
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was this ability to see the other person’s point of view that had been, and would always be, the curse of his life.
selfishadjectiveUS /ˈselfɪʃ/
concerned chiefly or only with yourself and your advantage to the exclusion of others
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
SeymournounUS /ˈsiːmɔːr/
Queen of England as the third wife of Henry VIII and mother of Edward VI (1509-1537)
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
a thing, without saying which
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Such men as Philip are not among the fine creatures of the world.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It was this ability to see the other person’s point of view that had been, and would always be, the curse of his life.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
unselfishadjective
disregarding your own advantages and welfare over those of others
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
vexingadjectiveUS /ˈveksɪŋ/
extremely annoying or displeasing
From this reading The selfish actions in his life had always arisen from unselfish motives, because he had been afraid of hurting or vexing other people, because he thought other people finer than himself.
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was this ability to see the other person’s point of view that had been, and would always be, the curse of his life.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
at the time that
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
in the company of; together with
From this reading THE MIRROR Philip had never had any conceit of himself—that is, he could not remember the time when he had been satisfied with what he had done, or pleased with the figure that he presented.
past form of “wonder” — have a wish or desire to know something
From this reading Even when, as in the case of Seymour, he burst out in indignation at something that he felt to be pretentious and false, he, afterwards, on thinking it over, wondered whether the man hadn’t after all been right ‘from his point of view.’
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Such men as Philip are not among the fine creatures of the world.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It was this ability to see the other person’s point of view that had been, and would always be, the curse of his life.
