Chapter II · Chapter 2

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

how long something has existed

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

short account of an incident (especially a biographical one)

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

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

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

plural of “being” — the state or fact of existing

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

a state of warm snug comfort

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

plural of “definition” — a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

take exception to

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

absolutely necessary; vitally necessary

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

apart from; not including

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

formed or conceived by the imagination

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

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

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

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

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

characteristic of humanity

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

without variation or change, in every case

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

having no bearing on or connection with the subject at issue

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

plural of “landscape” — an expanse of scenery that can be seen in a single view

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

for the most part

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

engage in

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

and nothing more

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

completely unclothed

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

in an essential manner

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

not any; not one

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

plural of “novelist” — one who writes novels

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

above and across; more than

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

a human being

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

the property of a shape that tapers to a sharp tip

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

ordinary writing as distinguished from verse

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

to a degree (not used with a negative)

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

a reason for wanting something done

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

express in words

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

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

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

in or at that place or location

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

for that reason; as a result

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

a special situation

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

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

From this reading There are several things that make this mode of art unique.

in spite of the fact that

From this reading But the novel itself, though not merely Victorian, is mainly modern.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

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

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

radically distinctive and without equal

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

of or relating to Queen Victoria of Great Britain or to the age in which she ruled

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

plural of “vision” — a vivid mental image

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading THE GREAT VICTORIAN NOVELISTS The Victorian novel was a thing entirely Victorian; quite unique and suited to a sort of cosiness in that country and that age.

plural of “waste” — any materials unused and rejected as worthless or unwanted

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

at the time that

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

in or at the place that

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.

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

From this reading I merely say, therefore, that when I say "novel," I mean a fictitious narrative (almost invariably, but not necessarily, in prose) of which the essential is that the story is not told for the sake of its naked pointedness as an anecdote, or for the sake of the irrelevant landscapes and visions that can be caught up in it, but for the sake of some study of the difference between human beings.

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

From this reading No clear-headed person wastes his time over definitions, except where he thinks his own definition would probably be in dispute.