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 Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

concerned with concrete problems or data rather than with fundamental principles

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

with extreme conscientiousness

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

make or cause to be or to become

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

past form of “create” — make or cause to be or to become

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

an urgent or peremptory request

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

a Spanish gentleman or nobleman

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

past form of “endure” — put up with something or somebody unpleasant

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

the feelings expressed on a person's face

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

in accordance with what is appropriate or suitable for the circumstances

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

all the people living at the same time or of approximately the same age

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

cause to move by striking

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

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

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

the financial means whereby one lives

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

plural of “pass” — (baseball) an advance to first base by a batter who receives four balls

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

by chance

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

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

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

past form of “produce” — bring forth or yield

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

someone who manufactures something

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

yielding material gain or profit

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

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

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

a remark that calls attention to something or someone

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

past form of “regard” — deem to be

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

express in words

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

plural of “seek” — the movement of a read/write head to a specific data track on a disk

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

exchange or deliver for money or its equivalent

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

and nothing more

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

feel or have a desire for; want strongly

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We may say, for example, that "Don Quixote" had to create its sympathetic audience.

used to ask for information about something

From this reading A great deal of what passes for literature in these days is in this category of supply to suit the demand, and perhaps it can be said of this generation more fitly than of any other that the novel seeks to hit the popular taste; having become a means of livelihood, it must sell in order to be profitable to the producer, and in order to sell it must be what the reading public want.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading Perhaps the great works of art that have endured have been so composed.

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading But, on the other hand, works of art worthy the name are sometimes produced to suit a demand and to please a taste already created.

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

From this reading Regarded simply as a work of art, it may be said that the novel should be an expression of the genius of its writer conscientiously applied to a study of the facts of life and of human nature, with little reference to the audience.