used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
(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 But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading Persis and Forbes did not find it difficult to be alone.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Persis and Forbes did not find it difficult to be alone.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
bow-strings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
coerceverbUS /koʊˈɜːrs/
to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
coercedverbUS /koʊˈɜːrst/
past form of “coerce” — to cause to do through pressure or necessity, by physical, moral or intellectual means
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
courtsnounUS /kɔːrts/
plural of “court” — an assembly (including one or more judges) to conduct judicial business
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
deceitnounUS /dɪˈsiːt/
The action or practice of deceiving someone by concealing or misrepresenting the truth.
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
deviseverbUS /dɪˈvaɪz/
come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
devoteverbUS /dɪˈvoʊt/
give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Persis and Forbes did not find it difficult to be alone.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading Persis and Forbes did not find it difficult to be alone.
disloyaladjectiveUS /dɪˈslɔɪəl/
showing lack of love for your country
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
divorceverbUS /dɪˈvɔːrs/
part; cease or break association with
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
eunuchs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
fidelitynounUS /fəˈdeləti/
accuracy with which an electronic system reproduces the sound or image of its input signal
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading Persis and Forbes did not find it difficult to be alone.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
Forbes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Persis and Forbes did not find it difficult to be alone.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
gossipsnounUS /ˈɡɑːsəps/
plural of “gossip” — light informal conversation for social occasions
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
Grundy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
guardianshipnounUS /ˈɡɑːrdiənʃɪp/
attention and management implying responsibility for safety
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
a tangible symbol signifying approval or distinction
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
industrynounUS /ˈɪndəstri/
the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
infallibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfæləbəl/
incapable of failure or error
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
infernallyadverb
extremely
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
ingenuitynounUS /ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː/
the power of creative imagination
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
the literary culture
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
engage in
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
opportunitiesnounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnətiz/
plural of “opportunity” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
people'snounUS /ˈpiːpəlz/
possessive form of “people” — (plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
by chance
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
Persis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Persis and Forbes did not find it difficult to be alone.
pillories
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
scareverbUS /sker/
cause fear in
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
scarletnounUS /ˈskɑːrlət/
a variable color that is vivid red but sometimes with an orange tinge
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
an elaborate and systematic plan of action
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
seraglionoun
living quarters reserved for wives and concubines and female relatives in a Muslim household
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
spiesnounUS /spaɪz/
plural of “spy” — (military) a secret agent hired by a state to obtain information about its enemies or by a business to obtain industrial secrets from competitors
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
thwartnounUS /θwɔːrt/
a crosspiece spreading the gunnels of a boat; used as a seat in a rowboat
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Never, it seems, has human ingenuity been able to devise a scheme of guardianship that human ingenuity could not thwart.
plural of “wall” — an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
which person or people
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
disposed or inclined toward
From this reading For those who are willing to devote themselves to deceit and make an industry of other people's property, opportunities have always been infernally provided.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading But the honor system is not infallible; and not all the spies of Mrs. Grundy can coerce from without those who are not coerced from within their own hearts.
yashmaks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Seeing that seraglio walls, and yashmaks, and eunuchs, and bow-strings, and scarlet letters, and pillories, and divorce courts, and gossips have failed to scare fidelity into the disloyal, perhaps the modern honor system is as good as any.
