used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
(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 Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
any thing at all
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
the activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/
take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Horace had settled at last to his own satisfaction upon his version of his uncle's character.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Horace had settled at last to his own satisfaction upon his version of his uncle's character.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
cod-liver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
codenounUS /koʊd/
a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
cogitations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
comprehendverbUS /ˌkɑːmpriˈhend/
get the meaning of something
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
an unshakable belief in something without need for proof or evidence
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
the act of determining the properties of something, usually by research or calculation
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
advanced in complexity or elaboration
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
homespunadjectiveUS /ˈhoʊmspʌn/
of textiles; having a rough surface
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
honestynounUS /ˈɑːnəsti/
the quality of being honest
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
HoracenounUS /ˈhɔːrəs/
Roman lyric poet said to have influenced English poetry (65-8 BC)
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
IndustrynounUS /ˈɪndəstri/
the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
a hotel providing overnight lodging for travelers
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
interpretationnounUS /ˌɪntɜːrprɪˈteɪʃən/
a mental representation of the meaning or significance of something
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
and nothing more
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
immediately past
From this reading Horace had settled at last to his own satisfaction upon his version of his uncle's character.
laudedverbUS /ˈlɔːdɪd/
past form of “laud” — praise, glorify, or honor
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
the first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Hebrew Bible considered as a unit
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
for more time
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
Morison's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
used to form the superlative
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
absolutely essential
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
not any; not one
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
A viscous liquid derived from petroleum or plants, stored in large earthen jars.
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
pillsnounUS /pɪlz/
plural of “pill” — something that resembles a tablet of medicine in shape or size
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
prejudicedadjectiveUS /ˈpredʒədəst/
emanating from a person's emotions and prejudices
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
recommendverbUS /ˌrekəˈmend/
push for something
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
recommendedverbUS /ˌrekəˈmendɪd/
past form of “recommend” — push for something
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
respectabilitynounUS /riˌspektəˈbɪlɪti/
honorableness by virtue of being respectable and having a good reputation
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
the contentment one feels when one has fulfilled a desire, need, or expectation
From this reading Horace had settled at last to his own satisfaction upon his version of his uncle's character.
get by special effort
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading Horace had settled at last to his own satisfaction upon his version of his uncle's character.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
soberadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊbər/
not affected by a chemical substance (especially alcohol)
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
straightforwardnessnoun
the quality of being direct and straightforward
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
with strength or in a strong manner
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
superficialadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈfɪʃəl/
concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
Susan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
SutherlandnounUS /ˈsʌðərlənd/
Australian operatic soprano (born in 1926)
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
triflesnounUS /ˈtraɪfəlz/
plural of “trifle” — a cold pudding made of layers of sponge cake spread with fruit or jelly; may be decorated with nuts, cream, or chocolate
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
uncle'snounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
possessive form of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Horace had settled at last to his own satisfaction upon his version of his uncle's character.
past form of “urge” — force or impel in an indicated direction
From this reading Industry and honesty, and straightforwardness, a homespun and sober interpretation of all human laws--Horace decided that his uncle lauded and urged these virtues on others just as he might recommend cod-liver oil or Morison's pills, and that he was unable to comprehend anything higher than that old code of respectability.
versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/
an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint
From this reading Horace had settled at last to his own satisfaction upon his version of his uncle's character.
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
virtuesnounUS /ˈvɜːrtʃuːz/
plural of “virtue” — the quality of doing what is right and avoiding what is wrong
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading Horace had been waiting some time in the little inn before Colonel Sutherland and Susan arrived.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
well-meaningadjective
not unfriendly or threatening
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading He concluded the Colonel to be a well-meaning, superficial old man, most at home among women and children, finding pleasure in trifles, strongly prejudiced in favour of some old-fashioned virtues, which he recommended not so much from conviction as from custom.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading This had not much improved the young man's temper; but the result of his cogitations on the way here, and while he waited, had been, that it was necessary to be no longer critical, but that he must assume the virtue which he had not, and secure his uncle's assistance in his own way.
