1759
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
(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 His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
in addition
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
amiableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪmiəbəl/
disposed to please
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
benevolentadjectiveUS /bəˈnevələnt/
intending or showing kindness
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
brought into existence
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
a young person of either sex
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
belonging to or participated in by a community as a whole; public
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
carefully weighed
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
conspicuouslyadverbUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəsli/
in a manner tending to attract attention
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
dispositionnounUS /ˌdɪspəˈzɪʃən/
your usual mood
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
encourager
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
past form of “enjoy” — derive or receive pleasure from; get enjoyment from; take pleasure in
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
at any time
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
exertionsnounUS /ɪɡˈzɜːrʃənz/
plural of “exertion” — use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
beyond what is ordinary or usual; highly unusual or exceptional or remarkable
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
favourableadjective
encouraging or approving or pleasing
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
frequentverbUS /ˈfriːkwənt/
do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
improvedadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpruːvd/
made more desirable or valuable or profitable; especially made ready for use or marketing
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
indicationnounUS /ˌɪndəˈkeɪʃən/
something that serves to indicate or suggest
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
inferencesnounUS /ˈɪnfərensɪz/
plural of “inference” — the reasoning involved in drawing a conclusion or making a logical judgment on the basis of circumstantial evidence and prior conclusions rather than on the basis of direct observation
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
intellectnounUS /ˈɪntəlekt/
knowledge and intellectual ability
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
the literary culture
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
past form of “mention” — make reference to
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
a person authorized to conduct religious worship
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
moistadjectiveUS /mɔɪst/
slightly wet
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
used to form the superlative
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
a form of address for a man
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
NorfolknounUS /ˈnɔːrfək/
port city located in southeastern Virginia on the Elizabeth River at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay; headquarters of the Atlantic fleet of the United States Navy
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
being perceived or observed
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
opportunitiesnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnətiz/
plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
owedverbUS /oʊd/
past form of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
parish-clerk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
Porson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
Porson's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
precedingadjectiveUS /priˈsiːdɪŋ/
existing or coming before
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
prodigynounUS /ˈprɑːdədʒi/
an unusually gifted or intelligent (young) person; someone whose talents excite wonder and admiration
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
quicknessnounUS /ˈkwɪknəs/
skillful performance or ability without difficulty
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
mutual dealings or connections or communications among persons or groups
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
retainedadjectiveUS /rɪˈteɪnd/
continued in your keeping or use or memory
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
Ruston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
sandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/
of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
in the near future
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
precisely as stated
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Porson was born at Earl Ruston, in Norfolk, on Christmas day, 1759.
(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 His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
at the time that
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Porson had certainly, when quite a child, the practice of making letters on any sandy or moist surface, upon which they could be conspicuously formed.
which person or people
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
belonging to which person
From this reading His father was parish-clerk to Mr. H. who was also Minister of B. Mr. H. was a most amiable and truly benevolent man; and beyond all doubt was the first encourager of Porson’s early disposition to learning, and the individual also, to whose exertions he owed the opportunities he afterwards enjoyed, and so well improved.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mr. W. who was mentioned in the preceding chapter, noticed in him very soon an extraordinary quickness with regard to figures—this was much more to the purpose—and this he ever retained.
wontnounUS /woʊnt/
an established custom
From this reading His relations were wont to draw inferences very favourable to his intellect, from this circumstance; but after all, this is a very common practice, indeed much too frequent to be considered as any indication of a prodigy.
