used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
the state of being absent
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
accept as true; take to be true
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
bridgesnounUS /ˈbrɪdʒəz/
United States labor leader who organized the longshoremen (1901-1990)
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
rid of obstructions
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
companiesnounUS /ˈkʌmpəniːz/
plural of “company” — an institution created to conduct business
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
conspicuousadjectiveUS /kənˈspɪkjuːəs/
obvious to the eye or mind
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
establishingverbUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃɪŋ/
-ing form of “establish” — set up or found
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
divisible by two
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
far-away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
FIRSTadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
fordsnounUS /fɔːrdz/
plural of “ford” — United States film maker (1896-1973)
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
fortnightnounUS /ˈfɔːrtnaɪt/
a period of fourteen consecutive days
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
set up or found
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
handlingnounUS /ˈhændlɪŋ/
manual (or mechanical) carrying or moving or delivering or working with something
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
ten 10s
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
a written message addressed to a person or organization
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
men'snounUS /menz/
a public toilet for men
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
metropolisnounUS /məˈtrɑːpələs/
a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
occupyverbUS /ˈɑːkjəpaɪ/
keep busy with
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
and nothing more
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
playwrightnounUS /ˈpleɪraɪt/
someone who writes plays
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
get something; come into possession of
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
a statement (either spoken or written) that is made to reply to a question or request or criticism or accusation
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
riversnounUS /ˈrɪvərz/
plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
roadsnounUS /roʊdz/
a partly sheltered anchorage
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
ShakespearenounUS /ˈʃeɪkspiːr/
English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
skilledadjectiveUS /skɪld/
having or showing or requiring special skill
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
Stratford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
sufficeverbUS /səˈfaɪs/
be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
swollenadjectiveUS /ˈswoʊlən/
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Not only were roads bad, but bridges were conspicuous by their absence.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
thriveverbUS /θraɪv/
grow vigorously
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
touringverbUS /ˈtʊrɪŋ/
-ing form of “tour” — make a tour of a certain place
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
a source of difficulty
From this reading Even if he had not found trouble in his native place, he could not hope to thrive there.
twenty-fouradjectiveUS /ˈtwentifɔːr/
being four more than twenty
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
at the time that
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
William
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Three days would suffice in fine summer weather, while four or five might be required in winter time, when rivers were swollen and fords were dangerous.
writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/
plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading To send a letter from Stratford to London and receive a reply to it would occupy nearly a fortnight, and if, as some writers believe, Shakespeare had already made a certain name by his skilled handling of other men's work when touring companies came to his town, it is quite clear that his best chance of establishing himself as a playwright would be found in the metropolis.
a late time of life
From this reading FIRST DAYS IN LONDON Three hundred and twenty-four years have passed since William Shakespeare set out to prove his fortune in London, and in those far-away days that his genius makes so real for us the journey was long and at times dangerous.
