1763
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
how long something has existed
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
amplyadverbUS /ˈæmpli/
to an ample degree or in an ample manner
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
the feeling that accompanies something extremely surprising
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
babbleverbUS /ˈbæbəl/
utter meaningless sounds, like a baby, or utter in an incoherent way
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
cabinetsnounUS /ˈkæbənəts/
plural of “cabinet” — a piece of furniture resembling a cupboard with doors and shelves and drawers; for storage or display
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
ChinesenounUS /tʃaɪˈniːz/
any of the Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in China; regarded as dialects of a single language (even though they are mutually unintelligible) because they share an ideographic writing system
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
collectionsnounUS /kəˈlekʃənz/
plural of “collection” — several things grouped together or considered as a whole
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
complacencynounUS /kəmˈpleɪsənsi/
the feeling you have when you are satisfied with yourself
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
congenialadjectiveUS /kənˈdʒiːnjəl/
suitable to your needs
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
destinedadjectiveUS /ˈdestɪnd/
headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
Dutchmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
encouragedadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒd/
inspired with confidence
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
the 2nd smallest continent (actually a vast peninsula of Eurasia); the British use “Europe” to refer to all of the continent except the British Isles
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
the organ of sight
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
flatteredverbUS /ˈflætərd/
past form of “flatter” — praise somewhat dishonestly
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
the ripened reproductive body of a seed plant
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
fulfilledadjectiveUS /fʊlˈfɪld/
completed to perfection
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
generatesverbUS /ˈdʒenəreɪts/
third-person singular of “generate” — bring into existence
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
heart'snounUS /hɑːrts/
possessive form of “heart” — the locus of feelings and intuitions
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
HollandnounUS /ˈhɑːlənd/
a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea; half the country lies below sea level
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
an occurrence of something
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
owning or consisting of land or real estate
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
pertadjectiveUS /pɜːrt/
characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
phlegmaticadjectiveUS /fleɡˈmætɪk/
showing little emotion
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
piquenounUS /piːk/
tightly woven fabric with raised cords
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
precocitynoun
intelligence achieved far ahead of normal developmental schedules
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
separated in relationship by a given degree of descent
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
the state of being covered with unclean things
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
in the near future
From this reading From Holland, however, they soon removed to the more congenial soil of France.
past form of “succeed” — attain success or reach a desired goal
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
travellernounUS /ˈtrævələr/
a person who changes location
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
urchinnounUS /ˈɜːrtʃən/
poor and often mischievous city child
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
vanitynounUS /ˈvænəti/
feelings of excessive pride
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
viewedverbUS /vjuːd/
past form of “view” — deem to be
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
feel or have a desire for; want strongly
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In this particular instance the flowers were succeeded by fruit.
in or at the place that
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
which person or people
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
belonging to which person
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In 1763 he proceeded with his parents to Europe, where every object which presented itself to his eye was new.
a late time of life
From this reading They first landed in Holland, where the phlegmatic Dutchmen, who, like the Chinese, pique themselves upon being “slow and sure,” viewed with astonishment the pert and forward urchin, who, at ten years of age, began to babble of science, cabinets, and collections.
youthfuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːθfəl/
suggestive of youth; vigorous and fresh
From this reading Here precocity, which too frequently generates hopes never destined to be fulfilled, has always been viewed with more complacency than in any other country in Europe; and accordingly our youthful traveller, whose vanity amply made up for his want of knowledge, was flattered and encouraged to his heart’s content.
