used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
in actual fact
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
affectationnounUS /ˌæfekˈteɪʃən/
a deliberate pretense or exaggerated display
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
(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 And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
clearly revealed to the mind or the senses or judgment
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
The red fluid that circulates in the heart and blood vessels.
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
a collection of things sharing a common attribute
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
continue a certain state, condition, or activity
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
(criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
dazzledadjectiveUS /ˈdæzəld/
having vision overcome temporarily by or as if by intense light
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
dim-lit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
excessnounUS /ˈekses/
a quantity much larger than is needed
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
exhaustionnounUS /ɪɡˈzɔːstʃən/
extreme fatigue
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
the feelings expressed on a person's face
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
fascinationnounUS /ˌfæsəˈneɪʃən/
the state of being intensely interested (as by awe or terror)
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
fatiguenounUS /fəˈtiːɡ/
temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
fictionnounUS /ˈfɪkʃən/
a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
guiltnounUS /ɡɪlt/
the state of having committed an offense
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
historicaladjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪkəl/
of or relating to the study of history
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
imaginativeadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒənətɪv/
(used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
latestadjectiveUS /ˈleɪtəst/
up to the immediate present; most recent or most up-to-date
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
appealing to the emotions as well as the eye
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
the location of something surrounded by other things
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
MilannounUS /məˈlɑːn/
the capital of Lombardy in northern Italy; has been an international center of trade and industry since the Middle Ages
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
a particular point in time
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
used to form the superlative
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
nobleadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊbəl/
impressive in appearance
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
perennialadjectiveUS /pərˈeniəl/
lasting three seasons or more
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
by chance
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
potentadjectiveUS /ˈpoʊtənt/
having great influence
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
preciseadjectiveUS /prɪˈsaɪs/
sharply exact or accurate or delimited
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
productnounUS /ˈprɑːdəkt/
commodities offered for sale
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
reminiscentadjectiveUS /ˌreməˈnɪsənt/
serving to bring to mind
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
retainsverbUS /rɪˈteɪnz/
third-person singular of “retain” — hold back within
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
sans-gêne
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/
important in effect or meaning
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
spiltverbUS /spɪlt/
inflected form of “spill” — cause or allow (a liquid substance) to run or flow from a container
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
carry out
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
in or at that place or location
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
a just detectable amount
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
unlovelyadjective
without beauty or charm
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
VipernounUS /ˈvaɪpər/
venomous Old World snakes characterized by hollow venom-conducting fangs in the upper jaw
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading And so long shall we have the historical as that form of fiction which of all is perhaps the most potent and the most perennial in its fascination.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
at the time that
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading It is significant that at this precise moment when the historical novel shows so much apparent exhaustion, that there should appear such an example as _The Viper of Milan_, which, while actually the latest of its class, might almost be the first, so free is it from any trace of fatigue or affectation.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading So long as man retains his reminiscent interest in the past of which he is the product, so long will he continue to take possession of that past for the purposes of imaginative expression.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
writesverbUS /raɪts/
third-person singular of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
the act of creating written works
From this reading Here is a novel in which the author writes of the past with as much _sans-gêne_ as though she were writing of the present.
but in spite of that
From this reading "Lovely in the midst of crime, And yet unlovely through excess of guilt, He dazzled through that dim-lit time, And noble blood for a vain shadow spilt."
