Chapter I · Chapter 1

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

liveliness and eagerness

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

for the reason that

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

third-person singular of “deserve” — be worthy or deserving

From this reading May he prosper!--for he deserves it.

containing or characterized by error

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

of the greatest possible degree or extent or intensity

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

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

From this reading May he prosper!--for he deserves it.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading May he prosper!--for he deserves it.

and nothing more

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

the trait of being manly; having the characteristics of an adult male

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading May he prosper!--for he deserves it.

used to form the superlative

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

not any; not one

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

and nothing more

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

as yourself

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

the feeling caused by agreeable stimuli; one pole of a continuum of states of feeling

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

literature in metrical form

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

make steady progress; be at the high point in one's career or reach a high point in historical significance or importance

From this reading May he prosper!--for he deserves it.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999)

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

possessive form of “scott” — award-winning United States film actor (1928-1999)

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

in the direction of

From this reading "I like him, too, for his manliness of character, for the extreme pleasantness of his conversation, and his good-nature towards myself, personally.

lacking refinement or cultivation or taste

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

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

From this reading His novels are a new literature in themselves, and his poetry as good as any--if not better (only on an erroneous system)--and only ceased to be so popular, because the vulgar learned were tired of hearing 'Aristides called the Just,' and Scott the Best, and ostracised him.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

in the company of; together with

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading I know no reading to which I fall with such alacrity as a work of W. Scott's.

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading "Scott is certainly the most wonderful writer of the day.