used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
anew
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
AllynounUS /ˈælaɪ/
a friendly nation
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
birthplacenounUS /ˈbɜːrθpleɪs/
the place where someone was born
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
breakfast-table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
without doubt or question
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
Crockford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
dartedverbUS /ˈdɑːrtɪd/
past form of “dart” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
dividingverbUS /dɪˈvaɪdɪŋ/
-ing form of “divide” — separate into parts or portions
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
every one of two or more people or things, taken separately
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
one or the other of two
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
at any time
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
the feeling of lively and cheerful joy
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
Fader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
well known or easily recognized
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
flourishesnounUS /ˈflɜːrɪʃəz/
plural of “flourish” — a showy gesture
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
the act of departing
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
HookverbUS /hʊk/
fasten with a hook
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
humverbUS /hʌm/
sing with closed lips
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
the formation of a mental image of something that is not perceived as real and is not present to the senses
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
impatiencenounUS /ˌɪmˈpeɪʃəns/
a lack of patience; irritation with anything that causes delay
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
apprehended with certainty
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
the act of departing
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
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 When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
engage in
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
MollynounUS /ˈmɑːli/
popular aquarium fish
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
multitudenounUS /ˈmʌltətuːd/
a large indefinite number
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
murmurnounUS /ˈmɜːrmər/
a low continuous indistinct sound; often accompanied by movement of the lips without the production of articulate speech
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
nakedadjectiveUS /ˈneɪkəd/
completely unclothed
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
not any; not one
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
and nothing more
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
very light colored; highly diluted with white
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading POOR WALTER!
poplar-tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
revelationsnounUS /ˌrevəˈleɪʃənz/
plural of “revelation” — the speech act of making something evident
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
done under pressure
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
cut with a saw
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
have in common
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
spoonnounUS /spuːn/
a piece of cutlery with a shallow bowl-shaped container and a handle; used to stir or serve or take up food
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
a source of difficulty
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
ungovernableadjectiveUS /ənˈɡʌvərnəbəl/
incapable of being controlled
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
plural of “voice” — the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading POOR WALTER!
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
at the time that
From this reading When Walter, in ungovernable excitement, trouble, and impatience, rushed out of the house in the morning, leaving old Crockford to make he knew not what revelations to his father, he had no idea either what he was going to do, or how long it might be before he returned home.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
windingadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪndɪŋ/
marked by repeated turns and bends
From this reading He might never see all these familiar things again--the pale river winding round the garden, the poplar-tree, thin and naked, in the wind, the little multitude in the dining-room making a hum and murmur of voices as he darted past.
in the company of; together with
From this reading In his imagination he saw so clearly that breakfast-table--his mother dividing to each of the children their proper share, Ally and Anne, and little Molly, with her spoon, making flourishes, and calling, “Fader, fader!”
a late time of life
From this reading It might have been that he was leaving the Hook--his birthplace, the only home he had ever known--for years.
