Chapter IX

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

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

past form of “achieve” — to gain with effort

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

a tapering point

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

plural of “allusion” — passing reference or indirect mention

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

a quantity of money

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

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

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

any thing at all

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

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

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

a complex mental state involving beliefs and feelings and values and dispositions to act in certain ways

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

plural of “audience” — a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

(of a surface) not written or printed on

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

a period of 100 years

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

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

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

plural of “comedy” — light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

light and humorous drama with a happy ending

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

past form of “construct” — make by combining materials and parts

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

very opposed in nature or character or purpose

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

following accepted customs and proprieties

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

plural of “deity” — any supernatural being worshipped as controlling some part of the world or some aspect of life or who is the personification of a force

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

wanted intensely

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

coming next after the seventeenth in position

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

divisible by two

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

-ing form of “except” — take exception to

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

English actor and theater manager who was the foremost Shakespearean actor of his day (1717-1779)

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

(of animals) fully developed

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

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

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

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

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

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

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

a person who does not acknowledge your god

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

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

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

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

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

conformity or harmony

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

plural of “line” — a formation of people or things one beside another

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

used to form the superlative

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

coming next after the eighteenth in position

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

not any; not one

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

and nothing more

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

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

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

existing in great number or quantity

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

at an earlier time or formerly

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

the body of people in a learned occupation

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

a rational motive for a belief or action

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

not move; be in a resting position

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

artificially formal

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

put in the place of another; switch seemingly equivalent items

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

plural of “success” — an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

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

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

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

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

plural of “tradition” — an inherited pattern of thought or action

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

plural of “tragedy” — an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

literature in metrical form

From this reading He had no idea that audiences had grown tired of stilted blank verse tragedies and comedies constructed on the most conventional lines, with plentiful allusions to heathen deities, but a plentiful lack of human nature.

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

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Colman, like the rest of his profession--not even excepting Garrick--possessed only a small amount of knowledge as to what playgoers desired to have presented to them.

any or all of a kind, it does not matter which

From this reading Whatever successes he achieved were certainly not due to his own acumen.

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Such plays had succeeded in his hands previously, and he could see no reason why he should substitute for them anything more natural.

in the company of; together with

From this reading The attitude of Colman in regard to the comedy was quite in keeping with the traditions of the stage of the eighteenth century, nor was it so contrary to the traditions of the nineteenth century.