used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
make it possible through a specific action or lack of action for something to happen
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
becominglyadverb
in a becoming manner
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
cheapestadjectiveUS /ˈtʃiːpəst/
superlative of “cheap” — relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
cigarettesnounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈets/
plural of “cigarette” — finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
cocktailnounUS /ˈkɑːkteɪl/
a short mixed drink
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
criticsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪks/
plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
damnedadjectiveUS /dæmd/
expletives used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
all things; all of a situation
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
explicitadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsplɪsət/
precisely and clearly expressed or readily observable; leaving nothing to implication
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
the rising of a body of water and its overflowing onto normally dry land
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
intentionsnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃənz/
plural of “intention” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
immediately past
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/
inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
the force of workers available
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
meritnounUS /ˈmerət/
any admirable quality or attribute
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
the one or ones belonging to the person speaking
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
used to form the superlative
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
not any; not one
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
packetnounUS /ˈpækət/
a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
praisesnounUS /ˈpreɪzəz/
plural of “praise” — an expression of approval and commendation
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
prefacenounUS /ˈprefəs/
a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
past form of “remember” — recall knowledge from memory; have a recollection
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
reviewsnounUS /riˈvjuːz/
plural of “review” — a new appraisal or evaluation
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
except for; apart from
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
servesnounUS /sɜːrvz/
plural of “serve” — (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
undergo or be subjected to
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/
understood in a certain way; made sense of
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading Now it must be remembered that literary critics are men of intelligence who have read everything and damned most things.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
a source of difficulty
From this reading It seems that I must be explicit about my intentions in a preface in order to save the critics the trouble of reading the book through.
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
precisely as stated
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading And it is certainly true that we suffer from a flood of reading matter which serves no more purpose than a packet of the cheapest cigarettes or a cocktail.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
which person or people
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
produce a literary work
From this reading Very few indeed are the books which they allow to be worth the trouble that must have been taken to write them.
WritersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading _Author of "Books and Their Writers"_ "_He who first praises a book becomingly is next in merit to the author_" From reviews that I have read of earlier books of mine I have at last learnt wisdom.
