used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had no prejudices and he knew no conventions.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
plural of “case” — an occurrence of something
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
cocksureadjective
marked by excessive confidence
From this reading When other men were cocksure, Thorndyke was doubtful.
contemptuouslyadverbUS /kənˈtemptʃwəsli/
without respect; in a disdainful manner
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
conventionsnounUS /kənˈvenʃənz/
plural of “convention” — a large formal assembly
From this reading He had no prejudices and he knew no conventions.
CuneiformadjectiveUS /ˈkjuːniəfɔːrm/
shaped like a wedge
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
despairedverbUS /dɪˈsperd/
past form of “despair” — abandon hope; give up hope; lose heart
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
doubtfuladjectiveUS /ˈdaʊtfəl/
open to doubt or suspicion
From this reading When other men were cocksure, Thorndyke was doubtful.
owed and payable immediately or on demand
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
entertainedadjectiveUS /ˌentərˈteɪnd/
pleasantly occupied
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
having experience; having knowledge or skill from observation or participation
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
friend'snounUS /frendz/
possessive form of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
an established custom
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had no prejudices and he knew no conventions.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
InscriptionnounUS /ˌɪnˈskrɪpʃən/
letters inscribed (especially words engraved or carved) on something
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
issueverbUS /ˈɪʃuː/
prepare and issue for public distribution or sale
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading He had no prejudices and he knew no conventions.
lawyersnounUS /ˈlɔːjərz/
plural of “lawyer” — a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
the force of workers available
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
not any; not one
From this reading He had no prejudices and he knew no conventions.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
occasionedverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənd/
past form of “occasion” — give occasion to
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
occurrencesnounUS /əˈkɜːrənsɪz/
plural of “occurrence” — an event that happens
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
many times at short intervals
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
prejudicesnounUS /ˈpredʒədɪsɪz/
plural of “prejudice” — a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
From this reading He had no prejudices and he knew no conventions.
principallyadverbUS /ˈprɪnsɪpli/
for the most part
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
proceedingsnounUS /proʊˈsiːdɪŋz/
(law) the institution of a sequence of steps by which legal judgments are invoked
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
rejectedadjectiveUS /rɪˈdʒektɪd/
rebuffed (by a lover) without warning
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
standpointnounUS /ˈstændpɔɪnt/
a mental position from which things are viewed
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He did not look at things quite as other men looked at them.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
Thorndyke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When other men were cocksure, Thorndyke was doubtful.
Thorndyke's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
undertakeverbUS /ˈʌndərteɪk/
enter upon an activity or enterprise
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
not usual or common or ordinary
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
under normal conditions
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
viewingnounUS /ˈvjuːɪŋ/
the display of a motion picture
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When other men were cocksure, Thorndyke was doubtful.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
at the time that
From this reading When other men were cocksure, Thorndyke was doubtful.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Cuneiform Inscription The surprise which Thorndyke's proceedings usually occasioned, especially to lawyers, was principally due, I think, to my friend's habit of viewing occurrences from an unusual standpoint.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading When other men despaired, he entertained hopes; and thus it happened that he would often undertake cases that had been rejected contemptuously by experienced lawyers, and, what is more, would bring them to a successful issue.
