adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
aidedadjectiveUS /ˈeɪdəd/
having help; often used as a combining form
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
allowverbUS /əˈlaʊ/
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/
past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
betokenverb
be a signal for or a symptom of
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/
a male with the same parents as someone else
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
conceptionsnounUS /kənˈsepʃənz/
plural of “conception” — an abstract or general idea inferred or derived from specific instances
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/
without stop or interruption
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
countverbUS /kaʊnt/
determine the number or amount of
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
deceivedverbUS /dɪˈsiːvd/
past form of “deceive” — be false to; be dishonest with
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
describeverbUS /dɪˈskraɪb/
give a description of
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
effectsnounUS /ɪˈfekts/
property of a personal character that is portable but not used in business
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
essentialadjectiveUS /eˈsenʃəl/
absolutely necessary; vitally necessary
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
exclusionnounUS /ɪkˈskluːʒən/
the state of being excluded
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
executedadjectiveUS /ˈeksəkjuːtɪd/
put to death as punishment
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
extraordinaryadjectiveUS /ˌekstrəˈɔːrdəneri/
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
facenounUS /feɪs/
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
fancynounUS /ˈfænsi/
something many people believe that is false
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
faradverbUS /fɑːr/
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
featuresnounUS /ˈfiːtʃərz/
plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
flowedverbUS /floʊd/
past form of “flow” — move or progress freely as if in a stream
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
fondadjectiveUS /fɑːnd/
having or displaying warmth or affection
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
foreheadnounUS /ˈfɔːrhed/
the part of the face above the eyes
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
formingverbUS /ˈfɔːrmɪŋ/
-ing form of “form” — create (as an entity)
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
haggardness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
handnounUS /hænd/
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
hastilyadverbUS /ˈheɪstəli/
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
highestadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪəst/
superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
hoursnounUS /ˈaʊərz/
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
imagenounUS /ˈɪmədʒ/
an iconic mental representation
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
immediatelyadverbUS /ˌɪˈmiːdiːətli/
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
incidentsnounUS /ˈɪnsədənts/
plural of “incident” — a single distinct event
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
inclinationnounUS /ˌɪnkləˈneɪʃən/
an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
inexpressiblyadverb
to an inexpressible degree
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
ingredientsnounUS /ˌɪnˈɡriːdiənts/
plural of “ingredient” — a component of a mixture or compound
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
inspirationnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃən/
arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
locksnounUS /lɑːks/
plural of “lock” — a fastener fitted to a door or drawer to keep it firmly closed
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
lustrously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
memorableadjectiveUS /ˈmemərəbəl/
worth remembering
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
midstnounUS /mɪdst/
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
mindnounUS /maɪnd/
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
momentnounUS /ˈmoʊmənt/
a particular point in time
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
occupyverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪ/
keep busy with
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading This face, seen for a moment, continued for hours to occupy my fancy, to the exclusion of almost every other image.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/
a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
peculiaradjectiveUS /pəˈkjuːljər/
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
portraitnounUS /ˈpɔːrtrət/
a word picture of a person's appearance and character
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
possessingverbUS /pəˈzesɪŋ/
-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
potentadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊtənt/
having great influence
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
proposedverbUS /prəˈpoʊzd/
past form of “propose” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
radiancenounUS /ˈreɪdiːəns/
the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
resistverbUS /rɪˈzɪst/
elude, especially in a baffling way
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
restverbUS /rest/
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
seenverbUS /siːn/
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
sereneadjectiveUS /sərˈiːn/
not agitated; without losing self-possession
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
servedverbUS /sɜːrvd/
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
shaggyadjectiveUS /ˈʃæɡi/
used of hair; thick and poorly groomed
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
sketchnounUS /sketʃ/
preliminary drawing for later elaboration
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
spendverbUS /spend/
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This, in the effects which immediately flowed from it, I count among the most extraordinary incidents of my life.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
unexceptionableadjective
completely acceptable; not open to exception or reproach
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
vainadjectiveUS /veɪn/
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
visagenounUS /ˈvɪzədʒ/
the human face (“kisser” and “smiler” and “mug” are informal terms for “face” and “phiz” is British)
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
WhetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading Whether my hand was aided by any peculiar inspiration, or I was deceived by my own fond conceptions, this portrait, though hastily executed, appeared unexceptionable to my own taste.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading I had proposed to spend the evening with my brother; but I could not resist the inclination of forming a sketch upon paper of this memorable visage.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading And yet his forehead, so far as shaggy locks would allow it to be seen, his eyes lustrously black, and possessing, in the midst of haggardness, a radiance inexpressibly serene and potent, and something in the rest of his features which it would be in vain to describe, but which served to betoken a mind of the highest order, were essential ingredients in the portrait.
