used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
addsnounUS /ædz/
plural of “add” — a condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
aliveadjectiveUS /əˈlaɪv/
possessing life
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
annoyverbUS /əˈnɔɪ/
cause annoyance in; disturb, especially by minor irritations
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
state capital and largest city of Massachusetts; a major center for banking and financial services
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
a young person of either sex
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
complicationnounUS /ˌkɑːmpləˈkeɪʃən/
the act or process of complicating
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
composurenounUS /kəmˈpoʊʒər/
steadiness of mind under stress
From this reading The young man received the news with unexpected composure.
feeling or showing worry or solicitude
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
conferencenounUS /ˈkɑːnfərəns/
a prearranged meeting for consultation or exchange of information or discussion (especially one with a formal agenda)
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
contingenciesnounUS /kənˈtɪndʒənsiz/
plural of “contingency” — a possible event or occurrence or result
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
plural of “difficulty” — an effort that is inconvenient
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
existingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/
presently existing
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
amounts paid for goods and services that may be currently tax deductible (as opposed to capital expenditures)
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
not in accordance with the fact or reality or actuality
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
father'snounUS /ˈfɑːðərz/
possessive form of “father” — a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
the experiencing of affective and emotional states
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
fraudnounUS /frɔːd/
intentional deception resulting in injury to another person
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
Gerald's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
the father of your father or mother
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
grumbledverbUS /ˈɡrʌmbəld/
past form of “grumble” — show one's unhappiness or critical attitude
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
Lily-mother
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
something that is lost
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The young man received the news with unexpected composure.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
information about recent and important events
From this reading The young man received the news with unexpected composure.
occurverbUS /əˈkɜːr/
come to pass
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
practising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
prepareverbUS /priˈper/
make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
probabilitynounUS /ˌprɑːbəˈbɪlətiː/
a measure of how likely it is that some event will occur; a number expressing the ratio of favorable cases to the whole number of cases possible
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
past form of “proceed” — continue talking
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
prudentadjectiveUS /ˈpruːdənt/
careful and sensible; marked by sound judgment
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading The young man received the news with unexpected composure.
feel remorse for; feel sorry for; be contrite about
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
the feeling that comes when something burdensome is removed or reduced
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
respectsnounUS /rɪˈspekts/
(often used with “pay”) a formal expression of esteem
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
concerned with work or important matters rather than play or trivialities
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
slaverynounUS /ˈsleɪvəri/
the state of being under the control of another person
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
not expected or anticipated
From this reading The young man received the news with unexpected composure.
unpleasantnessnounUS /ənˈplezəntnəs/
the feeling caused by disagreeable stimuli; one pole of a continuum of states of feeling
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Grandfather Bell has always grumbled about the expense I have been to him in consequence of my father's loss of fortune, and of course that adds to the unpleasantness of feeling that I am practising a fraud upon him.
precisely as stated
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The probability that the lost child was alive and in slavery was a very serious complication of existing difficulties.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Thinking it prudent to prepare Gerald's mind for any contingencies that might occur, Mr. King proceeded immediately to Boston to have a conference with him.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading "It will annoy Lily-mother very much," said he, "and on that account I regret it; but so far as I am myself concerned, it would in some respects be a relief to me to get out of the false position in which I find myself.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The young man received the news with unexpected composure.
