used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
experiencing a sudden sense of danger
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
plural of “beast” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
bullsnounUS /bʊlz/
plural of “bull” — uncastrated adult male of domestic cattle
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
having a low or inadequate temperature or feeling a sensation of coldness or having been made cold by e.g. ice or refrigeration
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
considerationsnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “consideration” — the process of giving careful thought to something
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
contentedadjectiveUS /kənˈtentəd/
satisfied or showing satisfaction with things as they are
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
expendedverbUS /ɪkˈspendɪd/
past form of “expend” — use up, consume fully
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
(of materials or goods) brought to the desired final state
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
inflected form of “forget” — dismiss from the mind; stop remembering
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
fuelverbUS /ˈfjuːəl/
provide with a combustible substance that provides energy
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
activities that are enjoyable or amusing
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
jokingadjectiveUS /ˈdʒoʊkɪŋ/
characterized by jokes and good humor
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
showing or feeling mirth or pleasure or happiness
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
engage in
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
a particular point in time
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
held or filled or in use
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
and nothing more
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
go across or through
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
by chance
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
rainyadjectiveUS /ˈreɪni/
(of weather) wet by periods of rain
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
raise the level or amount of something
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
in accordance with truth or fact or reality
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
past form of “remark” — make mention of
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
siegenounUS /siːdʒ/
the action of an armed force that surrounds a fortified place and isolates it while continuing to attack
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
in the near future
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
up to a particular time
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
except if; if not
From this reading "This is very good fun," I remarked, "but I should like to know how we are to get away unless these beasts of bulls choose to raise the siege."
unpleasantadjectiveUS /ənˈplezənt/
offensive or disagreeable; causing discomfort or unhappiness
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
precisely as stated
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
weighverbUS /weɪ/
have a certain weight
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Thus we went on laughing and joking, perfectly contented, and thinking only of the present moment.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
at the time that
From this reading When, however, we had time for reflection, we were not quite so well contented with ourselves.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
in the company of; together with
From this reading These considerations did not begin to weigh with us till we had finished our dinner.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading We forgot that our fuel would soon be expended; that the position we occupied would be a very unpleasant one on which to pass a cold and perhaps rainy night; and that our friends would become really alarmed should we not make our appearance at the boat.
