used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
ANCESTRALadjectiveUS /ænˈsestrəl/
inherited or inheritable by established rules (usually legal rules) of descent
From this reading ANCESTRAL WISDOM.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
react verbally
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
inflected form of “arise” — come into existence; take on form or shape
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
assuringadjectiveUS /əˈʃʊrɪŋ/
giving confidence
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/
-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
the power or right to give orders or make decisions
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
contemplateverbUS /ˈkɑːntəmpleɪt/
look at thoughtfully; observe deep in thought
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
causing fear or dread or terror
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
finishingnounUS /ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ/
a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
set up or found
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
the act of departing
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
for this reason
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
form a mental image of something that is not present or that is not the case
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
an opinion formed by judging something
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
be located or situated somewhere; occupy a certain position
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
engage in
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
mothersnounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
muddlenounUS /ˈmʌdəl/
a confused multitude of things
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
and nothing more
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
concerned with actual use or practice
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
established beyond doubt
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
rulesnounUS /ruːlz/
plural of “rule” — a principle or condition that customarily governs behavior
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
cut with a saw
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
plural of “say” — the chance to speak
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
So-and-sonoun
a person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
in the near future
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
express a supposition
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
temptationnounUS /temˈteɪʃən/
something that seduces or has the quality to seduce
From this reading Hence arose the temptation to lay down a few practical rules I had proved and found answer.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
from that place or that time
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
they're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading I did think of having a chapter about children before finishing my book; but this is not going to be the kind of chapter I thought of.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
precisely as stated
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading ANCESTRAL WISDOM.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
the act of creating written works
From this reading But, as soon as I began to contemplate the writing of them down, I began to imagine So-and-so and So-and-so attempting to carry them out, and saw what a dreadful muddle they would make of it, and what mischief would thence lie at my door.
but in spite of that
From this reading Like most mothers, I suppose, I think myself an authority on the subject; and, which is to me more assuring than any judgment of my own, my father says that I have been in a measure successful in bringing mine up,--only they're not brought up very far yet.
