used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
past form of “allow” — make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
a youthful male person
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
a game played with playing cards
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
commencedverbUS /kəˈmenst/
past form of “commence” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
a friend who is frequently in the company of another
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
Congrevenoun
English playwright remembered for his comedies (1670-1729)
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
Congreve's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
dollarnounUS /ˈdɑːlər/
the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
usually; as a rule
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
a Stuart king of Scotland who married a daughter of Henry VII; when England and France went to war in 1513 he invaded England and died in defeat at Flodden (1473-1513)
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
diode such that light emitted at a p-n junction is proportional to the bias current; color depends on the material used
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
sporadically and infrequently
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
Englishman and husband of Elizabeth II (born 1921)
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
practicedadjectiveUS /ˈpræktəst/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
pretextnounUS /ˈpriːtekst/
something serving to conceal plans; a fictitious reason that is concocted in order to conceal the real reason
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
proprietynounUS /prəˈpraɪəti/
correct or appropriate behavior
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
semblancenounUS /ˈsembləns/
an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
sharpernounUS /ˈʃɑːrpər/
a professional card player who makes a living by cheating at card games
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
skillfuladjectiveUS /ˈskɪlfəl/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
stakenounUS /steɪk/
(law) a right or legal share of something; a financial involvement with something
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
stakedverbUS /steɪkt/
past form of “stake” — put at risk
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
steamboatsnounUS /ˈstiːmboʊts/
plural of “steamboat” — a boat propelled by a steam engine
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
terrifyverbUS /ˈterəfaɪ/
fill with terror; frighten greatly
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had commenced playing cards for amusement—at least, that was Congreve’s pretext—but it had led to playing for a stake.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
unscrupulousadjectiveUS /ənˈskruːpjələs/
without scruples or principles
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading James Congreve was a dangerous companion for Philip.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
at the time that
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
which person or people
From this reading Of course, Philip did not know that he was a victim, and that his chosen friend, Congreve, was a skillful sharper, who had practiced his art on Western steamboats, and was sure to get the better of him.
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He was utterly unscrupulous, but took care to keep up a semblance of propriety, in order not to terrify the boy whom he was leading into mischief.
be the winner in a contest or competition; be victorious
From this reading Occasionally, when the stake was small, Congreve allowed Philip to win; but, when more than a dollar was staked on the game, he generally managed to win himself.
