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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
all
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From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
altogether
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
anxious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
appeared
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From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
battle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
climax
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
clumsyadjectiveUS /ˈklʌmzi/
awkward in movement or handling things
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
comfort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
comparative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
conclusion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
cotters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
deeper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
degrees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
despair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
efforts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
eitherdeterminerUS /ˈiːðər/
one or the other of two
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
excellence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
existing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
failure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
field
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
half-evicted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
hopelessness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
ideal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
importance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
indifference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
ineffectual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
interference
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
lessened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
man's
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From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
mingled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
mistake
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From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
mortaladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrtəl/
causing or relating to death
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
much
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From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
officious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
old
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From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
perfect
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From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
questioned
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From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
recognised
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From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
restoration
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
returning
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From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
round
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From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
sacrifice
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From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
self-ridicule
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
sense
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From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
sort
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From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
strenuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
struggle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
tended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
uncertain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The only good thing he had done was the restoration of those half-evicted cotters, and that was but a mingled and uncertain good, it appeared.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What was the use of any struggle?
Walter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
Wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What was the use of any struggle?
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Walter, returning to the old house which was his field of battle, questioned himself thus, with a sense of despair not lessened by the deeper self-ridicule within him, which asked, was he then so anxious for the best, so ready to sacrifice his comfort for an ideal excellence?
worst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
worth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Was this then the conclusion of all things--that there was nothing so perfect that it was worth a man's while to struggle for it; that any officious interference with the recognised and existing was a mistake; that nothing was either the best or the worst, but all things mere degrees in a round of the comparative, in which a little more or a little less was of no importance, and the most strenuous efforts tended to failure as much as indifference?
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading That he, of all men, should have this to do, and yet that, being done, it should be altogether ineffectual, was a sort of climax of clumsy mortal failure and hopelessness.
