used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
affectationnounUS /ˌæfekˈteɪʃən/
a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
third-person singular of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
appreciatedadjectiveUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪd/
fully understood or grasped
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
assembledverbUS /əˈsembəld/
past form of “assemble” — create by putting components or members together
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
calculatingadjectiveUS /ˈkælkjəleɪtɪŋ/
acting with a specific goal
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
coterienounUS /ˈkoʊtəri/
an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
criticaladjectiveUS /ˈkrɪtɪkəl/
marked by a tendency to find and call attention to errors and flaws
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
deemedverbUS /diːmd/
past form of “deem” — keep in mind or convey as a conviction or view
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
dispensedadjectiveUS /dɪˈspenst/
distributed or weighted out in carefully determined portions
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
districtsnounUS /ˈdɪstrɪkts/
plural of “district” — a region marked off for administrative or other purposes
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
distrustnounUS /dɪˈstrʌst/
doubt about someone's honesty
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
dropsnounUS /drɑːps/
plural of “drop” — a shape that is spherical and small
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
emotional or moral sensitivity (especially in relation to personal principles or dignity)
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
a person who lacks good judgment
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
uneducated in general; lacking knowledge or sophistication
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
impartedverbUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːrtɪd/
past form of “impart” — transmit (knowledge or skills)
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
with impatience; in an impatient manner
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
impertinentadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɜːrtənənt/
characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
intervalnounUS /ˈɪntərvəl/
a definite length of time marked off by two instants
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
invariablyadverbUS /ˌɪnˈveriəbli/
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
lucklessadjectiveUS /ˈlʌkləs/
having or bringing misfortune
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
Massing-bred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
the force of workers available
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
n't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
persistedverbUS /pərˈsɪstɪd/
past form of “persist” — continue to exist
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
piquancynoun
a tart spicy quality
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
past form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
on the contrary
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
secludedadjectiveUS /sɪˈkluːdɪd/
hidden from general view or use
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It is a very cold, calculating sort of interval, that ten minutes before dinner; and men regard the stranger presented to them with feelings far more critical than kindly.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
themesnounUS /θiːmz/
plural of “theme” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
topicsnounUS /ˈtɑːpɪks/
plural of “topic” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
precisely as stated
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
in or at the place that
From this reading It was in this temper he entered the room where the guests were now assembled, and, rather impatiently, awaiting his arrival.
which person or people
From this reading People who live much together in small and secluded districts, grow at length to feel a very great distrust for all strangers.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading Their own ways and their own topics have become such a perfect world to them, that to feel ignorant of these themes appears like affectation or contempt; and the luckless man who drops down into such a “coterie,” is invariably deemed impertinent or a fool.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Jack Massing-bred fully appreciated this difficulty; but it imparted such a piquancy to his “adventure,” as he persisted in calling it to himself, that he would n't have dispensed with it, had he been able.
