Chapter VI · Chapter 6

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

prior to a specified or implied time

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading “Because” he answered, “I think so.”

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

for the reason that

From this reading “Because” he answered, “I think so.”

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading OF TOURISTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

tending to decrease or cause a decrease in value

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

represented in words especially with sharpness and detail

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

-ing form of “enhance” — increase

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

especially of writing or speech; going before

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

of concern to or concerning the affairs of other nations (other than your own)

From this reading OF TOURISTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

a man of refinement

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the act of giving

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the act of departing

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

(law) a proceeding (usually by a court) where evidence is taken for the purpose of determining an issue of fact and reaching a decision based on that evidence

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the state or an instance of being imperfect

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading OF TOURISTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

brought about or caused; not spontaneous

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

not causing anger or annoyance

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

having the capacity for thought and reason especially to a high degree

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the act of beginning something new

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

plural of “italian” — a native or inhabitant of Italy

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

a republic in southern Europe on the Italian Peninsula; was the core of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire between the 4th century BC and the 5th century AD

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the sound of laughing

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

plural of “laugh” — the sound of laughing

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

the sound of laughing

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

the literary culture

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

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 The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

come together

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

any admirable quality or attribute

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading OF TOURISTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

on one occasion

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

a human being

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

on the contrary

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

express in words

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading “Because” he answered, “I think so.”

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The laughter of a man of letters should be inoffensive: it should be rather the laughter enhancing the merit of the person he laughs at, than a depreciating, or self-conceited laughter.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading “Because” he answered, “I think so.”

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

plural of “tourist” — someone who travels for pleasure

From this reading OF TOURISTS IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

precisely as stated

From this reading The very kind of laughter, already described in the foregoing chapter, induced many tourists to laugh at every little imperfection they meet in foreign countries.

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

which person or people

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Once, in giving letters of introduction to a gentleman, who was going to visit Italy, I could not prevent myself from smiling, on hearing him say: “The Italians are an intelligent people.”--“How do you know it?” said I to him.