used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
(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 We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
ardornounUS /ˈɑːrdər/
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
From this reading He had every theoretic qualification, but no ardor, no leap, no inspiration.
a permanent organization of the military land forces of a nation or state
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
assaultnounUS /əˈsɔːlt/
close fighting during the culmination of a military attack
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
attackingadjectiveUS /əˈtækɪŋ/
disposed to attack
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
campaignnounUS /kæmˈpeɪn/
a race between candidates for elective office
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
CautionnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
direct the course of; manage or control
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
defencenounUS /dɪˈfens/
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
defensiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈfensɪv/
intended or appropriate for defending against or deterring aggression or attack
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
feelings of ardent love
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
distinguishverbUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃ/
mark as different
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
the state of being unsure of something
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
earthenadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrθən/
made of earth (or baked clay)
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
endedadjectiveUS /ˈendəd/
having come or been brought to a conclusion
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
an opposing military force
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
ensignnounUS /ˈensən/
a person who holds a commissioned rank in the United States Navy or the United States Coast Guard; below lieutenant junior grade
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He had every theoretic qualification, but no ardor, no leap, no inspiration.
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
inspirationnounUS /ˌɪnspərˈeɪʃən/
arousal of the mind to special unusual activity or creativity
From this reading He had every theoretic qualification, but no ardor, no leap, no inspiration.
inspireverbUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪr/
heighten or intensify
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
leadersnounUS /ˈliːdərz/
the body of people who lead a group
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
leapnounUS /liːp/
a light, self-propelled movement upwards or forwards
From this reading He had every theoretic qualification, but no ardor, no leap, no inspiration.
engage in
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
McClellan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
the force of workers available
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
not any; not one
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
PeninsulanounUS /pəˈnɪnsələ/
a large mass of land projecting into a body of water
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
promptverbUS /prɑːmpt/
give an incentive for action
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
proprieties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
established beyond doubt
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
qualificationnounUS /ˌkwɑːləfəˈkeɪʃən/
an attribute that must be met or complied with and that fits a person for something
From this reading He had every theoretic qualification, but no ardor, no leap, no inspiration.
plural of “quality” — an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
rallyverbUS /ˈræli/
gather
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
redoubtnounUS /riˈdaʊt/
(military) a temporary or supplementary fortification; typically square or polygonal without flanking defenses
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
satisfactorilyadverbUS /ˌsætɪˈsfæktrəli/
in a satisfactory manner
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
except for; apart from
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
a particular branch of scientific knowledge
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
siegenounUS /siːdʒ/
the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
singularlyadverbUS /ˈsɪŋɡjələrli/
in a singular manner or to a singular degree
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
superiorsnounUS /suːˈpɪriərz/
plural of “superior” — one of greater rank or station or quality
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
theoreticadjective
concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations
From this reading He had every theoretic qualification, but no ardor, no leap, no inspiration.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A defensive general is an earthen redoubt, not an ensign to rally enthusiasm and inspire devotion.
nonexistent
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
warfarenounUS /ˈwɔːrfer/
the waging of armed conflict against an enemy
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Caution will never make an army, though it may sometimes save one.
in the company of; together with
From this reading We have no doubt that he would conduct a siege or a defence with all the science and all the proprieties of warfare, but we think he has proved himself singularly wanting in the qualities which distinguish the natural leaders of men.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If General McClellan had been as prompt in attacking the enemy as he showed himself in this assault on his superiors, we think his campaign in the Peninsula would have ended more satisfactorily.
