used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
matters of personal concern
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
Algerine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
a feeling of delight at being entertained
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
analysisnounUS /əˈnæləsəs/
an investigation of the component parts of a whole and their relations in making up the whole
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
on or to one side
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
attentivelyadverbUS /əˈtentɪvli/
with attention; in an attentive manner
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
commentnounUS /ˈkɑːment/
a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
not accessible to view
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
intentionally conceived
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
ConstancenounUS /ˈkɑːnstəns/
a lake in southeastern Germany on the northern side of the Swiss Alps; forms part of the Rhine River
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
cottonnounUS /ˈkɑːtən/
soft silky fibers from cotton plants in their raw state
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
the appearance conveyed by a person's face
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
dearly loved
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
deriveverbUS /dərˈaɪv/
reason by deduction; establish by deduction
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
devourverbUS /dɪˈvaʊər/
destroy completely
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
devouredverbUS /dɪˈvaʊərd/
past form of “devour” — destroy completely
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
an extended communication (often interactive) dealing with some particular topic
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
eccentricitiesnounUS /ˌeksenˈtrɪsɪtiz/
plural of “eccentricity” — strange and unconventional behavior
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
edificationnounUS /ˌedəfəˈkeɪʃən/
uplifting enlightenment
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
EgyptiannounUS /ɪˈdʒɪpʃən/
a native or inhabitant of Egypt
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
examiningverbUS /ɪɡˈzæmɪnɪŋ/
-ing form of “examine” — consider in detail and subject to an analysis in order to discover essential features or meaning
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
(of persons) excessively affected by emotion
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
the point or degree to which something extends
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
opinion or judgment
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
furnishverbUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃ/
give something useful or necessary to
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
showing or causing joy and pleasure; especially made happy
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
with gusto and without reservation
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading "Indeed!
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
inexorableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈneksərəbəl/
not to be placated or appeased or moved by entreaty
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
infatuationnounUS /ˌɪnfætʃuːˈeɪʃən/
a foolish and usually extravagant passion or love or admiration
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
the collection of rules imposed by authority
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
limitedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətəd/
small in range or scope
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
MertonnounUS /ˈmɜːrtən/
United States religious and writer (1915-1968)
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
plural of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
omnivorousadjectiveUS /ɑːmˈnɪvərəs/
feeding on both plants and animals
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
owesverbUS /oʊz/
third-person singular of “owe” — be obliged to pay or repay
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
partiallyadverbUS /ˈpɑːrʃəli/
to some extent; in some degree; not wholly
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
beyond or deviating from the usual or expected
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
philanthropicallyadverb
in a philanthropic manner
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
ragoutnoun
well-seasoned stew of meat and vegetables
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
revertedverbUS /rɪˈvɜːrtɪd/
past form of “revert” — go back to a previous state
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
speakernounUS /ˈspiːkər/
someone who expresses in language; someone who talks (especially someone who delivers a public speech or someone especially garrulous)
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
the utterance of intelligible speech
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
statisticaladjectiveUS /stəˈtɪstɪkəl/
of or relating to statistics
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
tastesnounUS /teɪsts/
plural of “taste” — the sensation that results when taste buds in the tongue and throat convey information about the chemical composition of a soluble stimulus
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
an acknowledgment of appreciation
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
tittle-tattledom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
accept gladly
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
any or all of a kind, it does not matter which
From this reading The members of 'our limited circle of acquaintances' are heartily welcome to whatever edification or amusement they may be able to derive from the discussion of my individual affairs, or the analysis of my peculiar tastes.
at the time that
From this reading The speaker did not lay aside the newspaper that partially concealed his countenance; and when he ceased speaking, his eyes reverted to the statistical table of Egyptian and Algerine cotton, which for some moments he had been attentively examining.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading You forget, my dear Constance, that to devour and in turn be devoured is an inexorable law of this world; and if my eccentricities furnish a _ragout_ for omnivorous society, I should be philanthropically glad that tittle-tattledom owes me thanks."
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "Merton, you are not conscious of the extent of your infatuation, which has already excited comment in our limited circle of acquaintances."
