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 Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

having fair knowledge of

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

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

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

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

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

-ing form of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

-ing form of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

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

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

for the reason that

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

showing who or what does the action

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

not open or affording passage or access

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

past form of “compare” — examine and note the similarities or differences of

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

intentionally conceived

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

the state of being suitable or opportune

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

give a description of

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

a statement that represents something in words

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

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

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

with eagerness; in an eager manner

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

take in solid food

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

plural of “episode” — a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

plural of “event” — something that happens at a given place and time

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

(baseball) handling the ball while playing in the field

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

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

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

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

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

the aggregate of past events

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

inflected form of “hug” — hold (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

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

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

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

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

witty language used to convey insults or scorn

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

an artificial source of visible illumination

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

of comparatively little physical weight or density

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

something that is lost

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

not one, and not any

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

make less visible or unclear

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

make more attractive by adding ornament, colour, etc.

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

in other respects or ways

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

deserving or inciting pity

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

by chance

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

a state of difficulty that needs to be resolved

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

people in general considered as a whole

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

lack of respect accompanied by a feeling of intense dislike

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

a figure of speech that expresses a resemblance between things of different kinds (usually formed with “like” or “as”)

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

something reduced to its minimal form

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

-ing form of “speculate” — to believe especially on uncertain or tentative grounds

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

English writer (1832-1904)

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

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

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

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

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

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

From this reading Nevertheless Fielding hugged this particular simile, applying it as a sort of skeleton key to the problem of Stephen Drake's career.

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

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

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

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

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

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

during the time that

From this reading Hugh Fielding, while speculating upon certain obscure episodes in the history of a life otherwise familiar to an applauding public, and at a loss to understand them, caught eagerly at a simile.

in the company of; together with

From this reading Now Fielding came second to none in his scorn for the simile as an explanation, possibly because he was so well acquainted with its convenience.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'

the act of creating written works

From this reading He compared Drake's career, or at all events that portion of it which was closed, to the writing of a book.

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading 'A fairy lamp' he would describe it, quite conscious of the irony in his method of description, 'effective as an ornament upon a table-cloth, but a poor light to eat your dinner by.'