used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading What were his background and education? and, above all, What were his temperament and the bias of his mind?
actionsnounUS /ˈækʃənz/
plural of “action” — something done (usually as opposed to something said)
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
matters of personal concern
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
(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 What were his background and education? and, above all, What were his temperament and the bias of his mind?
allowingverbUS /əˈlaʊɪŋ/
-ing form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
allynounUS /ˈælaɪ/
a friendly nation
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
in addition
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
animatedadjectiveUS /ˈænəmeɪtɪd/
having life or vigor or spirit
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
past form of “answer” — react verbally
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
arduousadjectiveUS /ˈɑːrdʒuːəs/
characterized by effort to the point of exhaustion; especially physical effort
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
backgroundnounUS /ˈbækɡraʊnd/
a person's social heritage: previous experience or training
From this reading What were his background and education? and, above all, What were his temperament and the bias of his mind?
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
for the reason that
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
biasnounUS /ˈbaɪəs/
a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
From this reading What were his background and education? and, above all, What were his temperament and the bias of his mind?
biographicaladjectiveUS /ˌbaɪəˈɡræfɪkəl/
of or relating to or being biography
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
of short duration or distance
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
an occurrence of something
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/
a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
without doubt or question
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
collectionnounUS /kəˈlekʃən/
several things grouped together or considered as a whole
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
compressingnounUS /kəmˈpresɪŋ/
applying pressure
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
containverbUS /kənˈteɪn/
include or contain; have as a component
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
copiousadjectiveUS /ˈkoʊpiəs/
large in number or quantity (especially of discourse)
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
correspondencenounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndəns/
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
correspondentsnounUS /ˌkɔːrəˈspɑːndənts/
plural of “correspondent” — someone who communicates by means of letters
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
dedicatedadjectiveUS /ˈdedəkeɪtəd/
devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
deservedadjectiveUS /dɪˈzɜːrvd/
properly deserved
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
zealous in devotion or affection
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill
From this reading What were his background and education? and, above all, What were his temperament and the bias of his mind?
examinationnounUS /ɪɡˌzæməˈneɪʃən/
the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
expandverbUS /ɪkˈspænd/
extend in one or more directions
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
Father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
unflinching in battle or action
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
How
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
includeverbUS /ˌɪnˈkluːd/
have as a part, be made up out of
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
instinctsnounUS /ˈɪnstɪŋkts/
plural of “instinct” — inborn pattern of behavior often responsive to specific stimuli
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
the literary culture
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
limitationsnounUS /ˌlɪmɪˈteɪʃənz/
plural of “limitation” — a principle that limits the extent of something
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
engage in
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
messagesnounUS /ˈmesədʒəz/
plural of “message” — a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading What were his background and education? and, above all, What were his temperament and the bias of his mind?
used to form the superlative
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
and nothing more
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
preferencesnounUS /ˈprefərənsɪz/
plural of “preference” — a strong liking
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
preservedadjectiveUS /prəˈzɜːrvd/
prevented from decaying or spoiling and prepared for future use
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
prepared and printed for distribution and sale
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
on the contrary
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
readableadjectiveUS /ˈriːdəbəl/
easily deciphered
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
riddleverbUS /ˈrɪdəl/
pierce with many holes
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
selectionnounUS /səˈlekʃən/
the act of choosing or selecting
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
a general conscious awareness
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
in the near future
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
temperamentnounUS /ˈtemprəmənt/
your usual mood
From this reading What were his background and education? and, above all, What were his temperament and the bias of his mind?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
UniversenounUS /ˈjuːnəvɜːrs/
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
a way of regarding situations or topics etc.
From this reading What native instincts, preferences, and limitations of view did he bring with him to his business of reading the riddle of the Universe?
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For in the case of a man like James the biographical question to be answered is not, as with a man of affairs: How can his actions be explained? but rather: What manner of being was he?
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Many of his correspondents preserved his letters, and examination of them soon showed that it would be possible to make a selection which should not only contain certain letters that clearly deserved to be published because of their readable quality alone, but should also include letters that were biographical in the best sense.
produce a literary work
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
a late time of life
From this reading _To my Mother, gallant and devoted ally of my Father's most arduous and happy years, this collection of his letters is dedicated._ WHETHER William James was compressing his correspondence into brief messages, or allowing it to expand into copious letters, he could not write a page that was not free, animated, and characteristic.
