used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
past form of “add” — make an addition (to); join or combine or unite with others; increase the quality, quantity, size or scope of
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
a distinct feature or element in a problem
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
BRET
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
BrooksnounUS /brʊks/
United States literary critic and historian (1886-1963)
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
CALIFORNIAnounUS /ˌkæləˈfɔːrnjə/
a state in the western United States on the Pacific; the 3rd largest state; known for earthquakes
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
causesnounUS /ˈkɑːzəz/
plural of “cause” — events that provide the generative force that is the origin of something
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
constitutionaladjectiveUS /ˌkɑːnstəˈtuːʃənəl/
of benefit to or intended to benefit your physical makeup
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
contractedadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːntræktəd/
reduced in size or pulled together
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
createdverbUS /kriˈeɪtəd/
past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
debtsnounUS /dets/
plural of “debt” — the state of owing something (especially money)
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
deliberatelyadverbUS /dɪˈlɪbərətli/
with intention; in an intentional manner
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
demandsnounUS /dɪˈmændz/
plural of “demand” — an urgent or peremptory request
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
the act of departing
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
represented in words especially with sharpness and detail
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
discouragedadjectiveUS /dɪˈskɜːrədʒd/
made less hopeful or enthusiastic
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
distressedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrest/
facing or experiencing financial trouble or difficulty
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
a social unit living together
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
financialadjectiveUS /fəˈnænʃəl/
involving financial matters
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
Francisco
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
willing to give and share unstintingly
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
grosslyadverbUS /ˈɡroʊsli/
in a gross manner
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
harassedadjectiveUS /hərˈæst/
troubled persistently especially with petty annoyances
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
Harold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
HartenounUS /hɑːrt/
United States writer noted for his stories about life during the California gold rush (1836-1902)
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
HARTE'S
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
of the present time and place
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
improvidencenoun
a lack of prudence and care by someone in the management of resources
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
have in mind as a purpose
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
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 BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
come together
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
NoahnounUS /ˈnoʊə/
the Hebrew patriarch who saved himself and his family and the animals by building an ark in which they survived 40 days and 40 nights of rain; the story of Noah and the flood is told in the Book of Genesis
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
obligationnounUS /ˌɑːbləˈɡeɪʃən/
the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
give money, usually in exchange for goods or services
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
plural of “person” — a human being
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
pursenounUS /pɜːrs/
a container used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women)
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
show unwillingness towards
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
San
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
express in words
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
sincerelyadverbUS /sɪnˈsɪrli/
with sincerity; without pretense
From this reading He sincerely intended and expected to meet every financial obligation that he contracted.
Skimpole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
speciesnounUS /ˈspiːʃiz/
(biology) taxonomic group whose members can interbreed
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading His own constitutional improvidence added to the difficulties thus created.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
unhappinessnounUS /ənˈhæpinɪs/
emotions experienced when not in a state of well-being
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
unjustadjectiveUS /ənˈdʒʌst/
not fair; marked by injustice or partiality or deception
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
precisely as stated
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There were heavy demands upon his purse from persons not of his immediate family, which he was too generous to refuse, although they distressed, harassed and discouraged him.
which person or people
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Mr. Noah Brooks, who knew Bret Harte well, has very truly described this aspect of his life: "It would be grossly unjust to say that Harte was a species of Harold Skimpole, deliberately making debts that he did not intend to pay.
a late time of life
From this reading BRET HARTE'S DEPARTURE FROM CALIFORNIA Bret Harte, as we have seen, was, for a few years at least, well placed in San Francisco, but, as time went on, he had many causes of unhappiness.
