used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A REBUFF.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
beforehandadjectiveUS /bɪˈfɔːrhænd/
being ahead of time or need
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
go after with the intent to catch
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
at any time
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
everlastingadjectiveUS /ˌevərˈlæstɪŋ/
continuing forever or indefinitely
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
fliesnounUS /flaɪz/
(theater) the space over the stage (out of view of the audience) used to store scenery (drop curtains)
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
death of a person
From this reading A grave question this.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
inspiringadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪrɪŋ/
stimulating or exalting to the spirit
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
(comparative of “near” or “close”) within a shorter distance
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
occurverbUS /əˈkɜːr/
come to pass
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
progressionnounUS /prəˈɡreʃən/
a series with a definite pattern of advance
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
pursueverbUS /pərˈsuː/
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
challenge the accuracy, probity, or propriety of
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
REBUFFverbUS /rɪˈbʌf/
reject outright and bluntly
From this reading A REBUFF.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
in or at that place or location
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A grave question this.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
a fact that has been verified
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
in the company of; together with
From this reading I asked not the question, for in fact it did not occur to me; but I asked another question, What shall I do with myself?
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Do what I would, turn the matter over as I might, there was, now the novelty of the idea had worn off, nothing inspiring in this idea of eternal progression;—this ever learning, and never coming to the knowledge of the truth—this everlasting chase after good, and never coming up with it.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Why continue a pursuit which you know beforehand will bring you never any nearer the object than you are, for as you pursue, it flies.
