used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
acquireverbUS /əˈkwaɪər/
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
apologynounUS /əˈpɑːlədʒiː/
an expression of regret at having caused trouble for someone
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
aptadjectiveUS /æpt/
(usually followed by “to”) naturally disposed toward
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
ascribedverbUS /əˈskraɪbd/
past form of “ascribe” — attribute or credit to
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
beaunounUS /boʊ/
a man who is the lover of a man or woman
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
boastedverbUS /ˈboʊstəd/
past form of “boast” — show off
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
Bow-bells
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
Bull-ism
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
captivatedadjectiveUS /ˈkæptɪveɪtɪd/
strongly attracted
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
caricatureverbUS /ˈkerəkətʃər/
represent in or produce a caricature of
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
confessesverbUS /kənˈfesɪz/
third-person singular of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
contemplationnounUS /ˌkɑːntəmˈpleɪʃən/
a long and thoughtful observation
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
continualadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəl/
recurring regularly or frequently in a prolonged and closely spaced series
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
continuallyadverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuːəli/
seemingly without interruption
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
contributedverbUS /kənˈtrɪbjuːtɪd/
past form of “contribute” — bestow a quality on
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
endeavornounUS /ɪnˈdevər/
a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
opinion or judgment
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
restore by replacing a part or putting together what is torn or broken
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
genuineadjectiveUS /ˈdʒenjəwən/
not fake or counterfeit
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
grossnessnoun
the quality of lacking taste and refinement
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
homebred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
idealadjectiveUS /aɪˈdiːl/
conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
impertinentadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɜːrtənənt/
characterized by a lightly pert and exuberant quality
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
engage in
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
the force of workers available
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
migratedverbUS /ˈmaɪɡreɪtɪd/
past form of “migrate” — move from one country or region to another and settle there
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
being perceived or observed
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
plural of “order” — (often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
coated with paint
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
peculiaritiesnounUS /pɪˌkjuːliˈerətiz/
plural of “peculiarity” — an odd or unusual characteristic
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
by chance
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
perpetuallyadverbUS /pərˈpetʃuːəli/
everlastingly; for all time
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
prejudicenounUS /ˈpredʒədɪs/
a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
the state of being covered with unclean things
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
plural of “son” — a male human offspring
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
speaksverbUS /spiːks/
third-person singular of “speak” — express in speech
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
the act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Men are apt to acquire peculiarities that are continually ascribed to them.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
truthsnounUS /truːθs/
plural of “truth” — a fact that has been verified
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
uncouthadjectiveUS /ˈʌnˈkuːθ/
lacking refinement or cultivation or taste
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
Unluckilyadverb
by bad luck
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
articulate; either verbally or with a cry, shout, or noise
From this reading If one of these should be a little uncouth in speech, and apt to utter impertinent truths, he confesses that he is a real John Bull, and always speaks his mind.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Perhaps the continual contemplation of the character thus drawn of them has contributed to fix it upon the nation; and thus to give reality to what at first may have been painted in a great measure from the imagination.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
which person or people
From this reading Unluckily, they sometimes make their boasted Bull-ism an apology for their prejudice or grossness; and this I have especially noticed among those truly homebred and genuine sons of the soil who have never migrated beyond the sound of Bow-bells.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
wonderfullyadverbUS /ˈwʌndərfəli/
(used as an intensifier) extremely well
From this reading The common orders of English seem wonderfully captivated with the _beau ideal_ which they have formed of John Bull, and endeavor to act up to the broad caricature that is perpetually before their eyes.
