used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
any thing at all
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
argumentsnounUS /ˈɑːrɡjəmənts/
plural of “argument” — a fact or assertion offered as evidence that something is true
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
bishop'snounUS /ˈbɪʃəps/
possessive form of “bishop” — a senior member of the Christian clergy having spiritual and administrative authority; appointed in Christian churches to oversee priests or ministers; considered in some churches to be successors of the twelve Apostles of Christ
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
the two together, not just one
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
calculationsnounUS /ˌkælkjəˈleɪʃənz/
plural of “calculation” — the procedure of calculating; determining something by mathematical or logical methods
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
demolishingnounUS /dɪˈmɑːlɪʃɪŋ/
complete destruction of a building
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
disasternounUS /dɪˈzæstər/
a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
dislikenounUS /dɪˈslaɪk/
an inclination to withhold approval from some person or group
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
dispelverbUS /dɪˈspel/
force to go away; used both with concrete and metaphoric meanings
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
Edmund
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
Edmund's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
elicitverbUS /ɪˈlɪsɪt/
call forth (emotions, feelings, and responses)
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
else
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
engenderedverbUS /enˈdʒendərd/
past form of “engender” — call forth
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
a feeling of favorable regard
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
devoid of good sense or judgment
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
frictionnounUS /ˈfrɪkʃən/
a state of conflict between persons
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
futileadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtəl/
producing no result or effect
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
guessesnounUS /ˈɡesəz/
plural of “guess” — a message expressing an opinion based on incomplete evidence
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
inevitabilitynounUS /ˌɪnevɪtəˈbɪlɪti/
the quality of being unavoidable
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
irritatingadjectiveUS /ˈɪrəteɪtɪŋ/
causing irritation or annoyance
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
and nothing more
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
go away from a place
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
plural of “make” — a recognizable kind
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
morbidadjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrbəd/
suggesting an unhealthy mental state
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
mutualadjectiveUS /ˈmjuːtʃuːəl/
common to or shared by two or more parties
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
as might be expected
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
not one and not the other of two
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
and nothing more
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
optimismnounUS /ˈɑːptəmɪzəm/
the optimistic feeling that all is going to turn out well
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
positiveadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːzətɪv/
characterized by or displaying affirmation or acceptance or certainty etc.
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
be shown or be found to be
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Each of us made guesses which to the other seemed more and more foolish and irritating.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
settle into a position, usually on a surface or ground
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
any nonverbal action or gesture that encodes a message
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
(physics) deformation of a physical body under the action of applied forces
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
the subject matter of a conversation or discussion
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
express a supposition
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
a sudden outburst of anger
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
tensionnounUS /ˈtenʃən/
(psychology) a state of mental or emotional strain or suspense
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Edmund set himself to prove the inevitability of disaster, really, I suppose, in order to elicit my arguments in favour of optimism, which nevertheless he took a morbid pleasure in demolishing.
uncertaintynounUS /ənˈsɜːrtənti/
being unsettled or in doubt or dependent on chance
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading But neither of us could leave the subject alone or settle our minds to anything else.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The bishop’s arrival on the following afternoon was only just in time to dispel something like a positive mutual dislike which was being engendered between us by the strain.
WELFAREnounUS /ˈwelfer/
governmental provision of economic assistance to persons in need
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading IN WHICH CAPTAIN WELFARE MAKES A SIGNAL Both Edmund’s temper and my own were naturally worn a little thin under the tension of this uncertainty, and the friction of our futile calculations of chances.
