used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
Abram
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
americansnounUS /əˈmerəkənz/
plural of “american” — a native or inhabitant of the United States
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
for the reason that
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
civilizationnounUS /ˌsɪvəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
a society in an advanced state of social development (e.g., with complex legal and political and religious organizations)
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
civilizedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪvəlaɪzd/
having a high state of culture and development both social and technological
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
classicaladjectiveUS /ˈklæsɪkəl/
of or relating to the first significant period of a civilization, culture, area of study, etc.
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
competeverbUS /kəmˈpiːt/
compete for something; engage in a contest; measure oneself against others
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
competentadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmpətɪnt/
properly or sufficiently qualified or capable or efficient
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
declare untrue; contradict
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
be identical or equivalent to
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
foreignersnounUS /ˈfɔːrənərz/
plural of “foreigner” — a person who comes from a foreign country; someone who does not owe allegiance to your country
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
independentlyadverbUS /ˌɪndɪˈpendəntli/
on your own; without outside help
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
plural of “indian” — a native or inhabitant of India
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
have in mind as a purpose
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
creative writing of recognized artistic value
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
the experience of being alive; the course of human events and activities
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
of or relating to or belonging to a nation or country
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
nationsnounUS /ˈneɪʃənz/
plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
not any; not one
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
in other respects or ways
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
possessingverbUS /pəˈzesɪŋ/
-ing form of “possess” — have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
reproachnounUS /riˈproʊtʃ/
a mild rebuke or criticism
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
Identical; not different.
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
express in words
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
UNITEDadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading THE PEOPLE OF THE UNITED STATES IS NOT A NEW PEOPLE.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
Wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading But, that the living present americans cannot have an equal number of writers, as the living old nations, for no other reason, but because this nation is a new one, is what I deny.
in the company of; together with
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Were America a nation of indians beginning now their civilization, independently of any other already civilized nation, to reproach them because they have not a competent literature as well as the old civilized nations, it would be the same as to reproach the times of Abram, because they were not civilized as the present most civilized nations.
writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading If they intend to say, that the number of classical writers of America, cannot yet compete with the number of classical writers of any old country, of course, it cannot be otherwise.
but in spite of that
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Many americans, and a few foreigners, think that America is yet too young a country for possessing a National Literature.
