Chapter I

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

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

declare to be true or admit the existence or reality or truth of

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

establish or strengthen as with new evidence or facts

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

Having no one else present.

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

surrounded by; in the company of

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

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

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

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

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

the state of being certain

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

rid of obstructions

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

although something is true; in spite of

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

a feeling of dissatisfaction that results when your expectations are not realized

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

the act of reducing the selling price of merchandise

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

plural of “fact” — a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

an act that fails

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

obtain

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

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

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

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

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

a physiological need for food; the consequence of food deprivation

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

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

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

an unjust act

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

clear or deep perception of a situation

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

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

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)

From this reading James Lee's Wife.

plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

assign a label to; designate with a label

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

possessive form of “lee” — United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading James Lee's Wife.

time available for ease and relaxation

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

United States writer of thrillers (born in 1925)

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

possessive form of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

the state of being alone in solitary isolation

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

held dear

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

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

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

not one and not the other of two

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

not any; not one

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

on one occasion

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

and nothing more

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

the state of being without a flaw or defect

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

without mercy or pity

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

perfected or made shiny and smooth

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

snacks and drinks served as a light meal

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

stay the same; remain in a certain state

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

not often

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

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

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

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

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

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

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

the act of testing something

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading "That is the doctrine, simple, ancient, true; Such is life's trial, as old earth smiles and knows.

marked by continuous or uninterrupted extension in space or time or sequence

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

(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 If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

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

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

used to ask for information about something

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

at the time that

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading James Lee's Wife.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading His art is impossible of label; almost alone amongst the writers of to-day he has the insight and the courage at once to admit the pitiless facts of life and to affirm despite them--through hunger and loneliness, injustice and disappointment--the spirit can and does remain unbroken; that if there be no assurance of success, neither is there certainty of failure.

but in spite of that

From this reading There is a rare refreshment in the works of Leonard Merrick; gracious yet distinctive, his style has a polished leisure seldom enjoyed these days when perfection of literary form is at a discount.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If you loved only what were worth your love, Love were clear gain, and wholly well for you."